MORGANTOWN — A retired West Virginia University professor is suing the school for discrimination during her employment.
WVU Board of Governors, West VVU Hospitals and WVU Medical Corporation were all named as defendants in the suit.
Dr. Christina Wilson claims on June 17, 2020, more than 800 Black students, faculty, staff, alumni and allies of the university submitted a statement regarding concerns with the university, according to a complaint filed in Monongalia Circuit Court.
Wilson claims in the statement, the individuals noted that they had been bringing their concerns up for years and the university had never given any answers.
"We have constantly heard and accepted your sympathies and concern for us but as stated above, words without action are meaningless," the statement read.
Wilson claims she was a clinical neuropsychologist at the university but because of disparate treatment and retaliation, she was forced to retire early.
Wilson claims approximately eight employees who are minorities who were in Wilson's department left their positions in 2018 and 2019. When Wilson left, she was the ninth in the department to leave.
The plaintiff argues that the defendants breached their contract with her and failed to deal fairly and in good faith, according to the suit.
Wilson claims the defendants also violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
Wilson claims the university's employment policy established that her compensation would be adjusted throughout her employment, but it was not done so consistent with the policy.
The defendants failed to abide by their own policies, according to the suit.
Wilson claims she was constructively discharged from her employment because of the hostile work climate, which compelled her to retire earlier than she had planned.
Wilson is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is represented by Sean W. Cook of Scott Depot.
Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 22-C-4
