Ex-Montgomery Co. chorus teacher sues district for sex discrimination

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A former Montgomery County middle school chorus teacher has filed a federal lawsuit against the school district, saying he was fired after posting about his sexual orientation on social media.

Nicholas Charles Breiner filed the complaint last Thursday in  United States District Court.

According to the lawsuit, Breiner first filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in early August 2017, claiming he has been discriminated against because of his sexuality.

The Commission gave him the right to sue the school, within 90 days, in early March.

The lawsuit shows Breiner was the Director of Vocal Music and Theater Development at McNabb Middle School when he disclosed his sexual orientation in a post on social media.

According to the complaint, Deputy Director Rick Culross called a meeting with Breiner, in which Breiner claims Culross questioned him about his sexual orientation.

Breiner says that after that meeting, he experienced a variety of negative actions, such as harassing phone calls during class and unfavorable evaluation, leading up to his dismissal on May 8, 2017.

According to the lawsuit, Breiner asked why he was let go, and was allegedly told by the principal at the middle school that it was because of budget restraints.

However, Breiner claims he was fired due to his sexual orientation, and believes he was discriminated against.

Montgomery County school officials declined to comment Tuesday about the lawsuit.