For many professors, getting tenured at a university is a dream come true. Those in Houston with such coveted positions know that it means job stability and perhaps peace of mind. The process some people go through to get tenured can be detailed, and school personnel should handle the situation delicately to avoid an employment discrimination charge. One suit against a Texas university illustrates how employees could interpret their termination.
A former assistant professor at Texas A&M University in Galveston has filed a lawsuit against the school alleging several instances of discrimination. The man, born in India, claims that he was harassed and wrongfully terminated. Among his allegations are that the school loaded him with classes that others did not want to teach and granted extensions to other professors but not him. He also states that his papers were thrown in the trash and he was forced to move his lab. As a result, the man claims that these actions led to his termination.
Two years prior to these events, the man had to renew his visa using the school’s sponsorship. The university did not comply with his request for sponsorship, and the man had to go back to India. His position had been on track to be tenured with the Department of Marine Engineering Technology. University officials scheduled an early review, which, according to the man, it did not do for other associate professors. Additionally, the university scheduled the review when they knew the man could not be there, according to the suit.
Alleging he was wrongfully terminated, the man is seeking back and front pay as well as other damages. In order to avoid potential suits such as this, a business should always consult with an attorney to ensure it is following proper protocol. Should a claim arise, a lawyer is best suited to protect a company’s assets.
Source: The Southeast Texas Record, “Texas A&M University System sued for alleged discrimination against Indian assistant professor,” Annie Cosby, July 14, 2014