A lawsuit filed against West Virginia University claims that the school hasn’t been transparent regarding the investigation of the chairman of WVU’s Department of Neurosurgery.
The suit started with a claim of harassment and misconduct by Elizabeth Baldwin, a former nurse at WVU Hospitals. Baldwin says after she filed a sexual harassment complaint regarding neurosurgeon and professor Charles Rosen, nothing was done and the school failed to provide her with any information regarding the claim.
After Baldwin’s claim was filed, additional WVU employees came forward, saying they had also been targets of sexual harassment by Rosen.
Baldwin’s suit says that in August 2013, she was told by the WVU title IX coordinator that her claims has been substantiated and that disciplinary action should be taken. However, nothing was done. When Baldwin requested the records from the investigation, she was told it would constitute an “unreasonable invasion of privacy.”
In the suit, she is demanding the release of the records and information she requested regarding the investigation into Rosen’s conduct.
Title IX is a 1972 federal law prohibiting gender discrimination at schools that receive federal funding. Title IX coordinators are also available to students and faculty for making reports of sexual harassment, misconduct, or rape. In May 2014, the U.S. Department of Education revealed that 55 investigations had been opened on American colleges and universities regarding their handling of sexual violence, reporting procedures and policies on campus.
If you have been the target of workplace harassment, discrimination or unfair termination, Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. represents clients in federal court and before the EEOC, MSPB and in state and union grievance hearings. Call Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. at 304-523-8451 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.