Following up on my previous post, Tenured Law Professor Sues University Of Michigan Alleging Racial- And Gender-Based Discrimination: Beny v. University of Michigan Board of Regents, No. 22-12021 (E.D. Mich. July 17, 2024):
Plaintiff Laura Beny is a tenured professor at the University of Michigan law school, where she is at present a member of the faculty. In a second amended complaint, Beny accuses the defendants of discriminating and retaliating against her on the basis of her race (Black) and sex (female) in violation of state and federal law. She also alleges a violation of the Equal Pay Act. Discovery has closed, and the defendants have moved for summary judgment. They acknowledge that they have imposed employment-related discipline upon Beny, but they argue, among other things, that Beny’s own blatantly unprofessional conduct is the only reason for their actions. Because Beny has not produced evidence that the defendants’ actions were a pretext for unlawful discrimination or retaliation, she is not able to demonstrate that a fact issue remains for trial on any of her claims. The motion for summary judgment will be granted, and the case will be dismissed with prejudice.
Brian Leiter (Chicago), Michigan Law Wins Summary Judgment in Discrimination Lawsuit Brought by Faculty Member:
The court describes emails from Dean West to Professor Beny "as immature, awkward, and unprofessional, but likely not harassing," but also held that, "The undisputed facts in this record show that the defendants took disciplinary action against the plaintiff because of her disruptive and unprofessional conduct, and not because of her race or sex or because she engaged in protected activity." (For some examples, see the emails described at pages 9-10.)
Prior TaxProf Blog coverage:
- Tenured Law Professor Sues University Of Michigan Alleging Racial- And Gender-Based Discrimination (Aug. 30, 2022)
- Judge Cuts Counts From Professor's Discrimination Suit Against Michigan Law School (July 13, 2023)
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