A high school coach has taken legal action against a Michigan school district, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation. Deanna Radcliffe filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on November 18, 2025, against Hartland Consolidated Schools and several individuals associated with the district. The lawsuit claims that Radcliffe faced discrimination during her tenure as a coach for the girls’ field hockey and lacrosse teams at Hartland High School.
According to the complaint, Radcliffe was employed by Hartland Consolidated Schools from August 2012 until her termination in December 2022. She alleges that she consistently felt unsupported compared to her male counterparts coaching boys’ teams. Despite raising concerns about this disparity with Superintendent Chuck Hughes, Athletic Director JD Wheeler, and Principal Kate Gregory, no changes were made. Radcliffe reported inappropriate behavior from boys’ lacrosse coaches and players towards her team but received little support from the administration. “The boys in question were ‘good kids,'” Wheeler allegedly responded, promising apologies that never materialized.
Radcliffe’s situation worsened when she raised concerns about violations of Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) rules and questioned why boys’ programs received more resources than girls’. Her inquiries reportedly led to her termination after being pressured to conform to gender stereotypes by Wheeler. The complaint highlights instances where Radcliffe was treated differently than male coaches, such as being asked why she didn’t hug her players more often—a request not made of male coaches—and being restricted from participating in certain activities while male coaches were not.
The lawsuit also details how Radcliffe’s association with a local sports organization became a point of contention due to her husband’s involvement, despite no MHSAA rule prohibiting such connections. Allegations include Wheeler sending falsified statements about Radcliffe to MHSAA and selectively interviewing students to create a negative narrative against her. Ultimately, Radcliffe was terminated after being told she could retire on her terms or be fired on Wheeler’s terms.
Radcliffe seeks damages for emotional distress, loss of reputation, financial losses due to job termination, and other reliefs deemed appropriate by the court. She requests declaratory relief recognizing that Defendants illegally discriminated against and harassed her based on gender while retaliating against her complaints.
Representing Radcliffe are attorneys Kathleen L. Bogas and Brian E. Koncius from Bogas & Koncius P.C., located in Bingham Farms, Michigan. The case is identified as Case No. 2:25-cv-13671-SKD-KGA before an unspecified judge.
Source: 225cv13671_Deanna_Radcliffe_v_Hartland_Consolidated_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
