Professor files discrimination suit against Texas A&M–Kingsville

Federal and state employment laws prevent employers from taking adverse action against an employee for discriminatory reasons. Employees who are subjected to workplace discrimination may file a lawsuit against their employer for damages.

A professor in the Department of Teacher and Bilingual Education has filed a discrimination lawsuit against her employer, Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking professor contended that a less-qualified person received a promotion over her and alleged that current and past university employees had engaged in discrimination by failing to adequately hire and promote Mexican-Americans. The professor seeks damages for lost wages, mental anguish, and harm to her reputation.

Professor alleges harassment, discrimination by university

Specifically, the professor said she was appointed as interim chair of the department, but the interim dean of the College of Education and Human Performance apparently decided to conduct a nationwide ‘external’ search for the new department chair without the department faculty’s approval, a violation of the faculty handbook. She also contended the university president allowed for a flexible hiring freeze during the pandemic to accommodate the search. The professor said she experienced harassment from the interim dean, resulting in a hostile work environment, as well as a retaliatory negative performance review from the interim dean.

The professor apparently was selected as a finalist for the position, but another woman was chosen for the position. The professor said that she was as qualified for the position as the woman chosen and was better suited for the demographics of the university.

The university has reportedly denied the professor’s allegations, contending she was treated fairly.

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your employer, an attorney can review your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for damages.