MORGANTOWN – West Virginia University Board of Governors and its neurosurgery chairman Dr. Charles Rosen have settled a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee.
Dr. Terrence Julien filed the lawsuit in November 2014, alleging his employment was terminated for opposing the promotion of a co-worker who repeatedly made racially insensitive comments and jokes.
Under the settlement, the board, through its insurance policy, will pay Julien $150,000.
Julien was hired by WVU in 2007. He alleged Rosen repeatedly made racially insensitive and discriminatory comments and jokes. Rosen was then appointed to interim chair of the neurosurgery department and, even after this, he still continued to use racially insensitive language.
The plaintiff alleged that while Rosen was being considered for the position of permanent chair, Julien was outspoken of his opposition to the move and then experienced adverse employment actions by Rosen, such as being excluded from employment activities and the reassignment of duties.
Rosen was made permanent chair on Sept. 18, 2012. Julien submitted a three-month notice of resignation in November 2012.
Julien, now a neurosurgeon with Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network, alleged hostile work environment based on race, retaliation and constructive discharge.
Julien is represented by Sean W. Cook of Meyer Ford & Glasser.
Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 14-C-860