Former Wayland AD Files Suit Alleging He Was Fired For Speaking Up On Inequality

WAYLAND, MA—A former athletic director at Wayland High School has filed a suit against the town alleging that he was fired from his position because he spoke up about gender inequality in the sports program. Stephen Cass's contract was not renewed in May of 2015, and shortly thereafter he was arrested and charged with stealing a laptop from the school (which he says an employee told him he could take).

The lawsuit names the town, the school departments, the police department, Superintendent Paul Stein, Assistant Superintendent Brad Crozier, high school principal Allyson Mizoguchi, and a Wayland police Detective Sergeant James Berger, reports The Boston Globe, alleging that Cass's reputation has been ruined to the point where he cannot find full-time employment.

Cass maintains that his contract was not renewed because he repeatedly questioned Wayland High School's handling of equality standards in the athletic program, pointing after he was asked to cut the budget that inappropriate fundraising by the boys teams created an imbalance, according to The Globe. Cass argued that that imbalance was in violation of Title IX.

In July of 2015, Cass began to turn for outside help and wrote a letter to the Wayland School Committee that pointed to “many disturbing practices” and specialized treatment in the program.

Shortly after Superintendent Paul Stein on issued this statement on Wayland Athletics. It began:

Every year, hundreds of Wayland High School student athletes participate in over fifty different sports that develop and nurture our youth’s sense of character, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle. Many students cite their participation in sports as one of the most enjoyable and important aspects of their high school careers.

The recent dialogue about allegations regarding our athletic program has understandably created questions and concerns. Unfortunately, these allegations and the ensuing public speculation, have led to an erosion of trust which is fueled by the need to keep personnel matters confidential. It’s our hope that with direct information about our policies and practices, we can establish a more balanced dialog and set a tone of positive discourse.

In 2016, Cass was found not guilty of larceny of the laptop, and the case was dismissed.

Read the full report in the Boston Globe.

Editor's note: this article has been updated to reflect an incorrect quote that was included in the original post.