UC named in age discrimination suit

CHARLESTON -– A Charleston higher education institution is accused of improperly firing one of its employees with nearly a quarter-century experience.

The University of Charleston is named in an age discrimination suit filed by Janet Ruge. In her complaint, Ruge, 62, a Charleston resident, alleges she was fired after 24 years on the job for no other reason than her age.

According to her suit, Ruge started work at UC on June 1, 1986. What she was hired to do is not stated.

From then, Ruge was "continuously thereafter employed until May 28, 2010." During those 24 years, Ruge maintains she "performed [her] job duties as required."

Because she had an exemplary work history, and was over 40 years old at the time of her discharge, Ruge alleges UC violated the state Human Rights Act when they terminated her employment in May.

Ruge seeks unspecified damages, including back pay, and reinstatement, attorney fees and court costs. She is represented by J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia Ranson and George B. Morrone III with the Ranson Law Offices in Charleston.

The case is assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 10-C-1645