A judge in Ohio has dismissed all federal claims against Kent State University in a suit alleging discrimination for failing to hire an African-American woman who had applied dozens of times for a position.
Dr. Victoria Sheppard failed to provide sufficient evidence to support allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment, U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko ruled.
Sheppard said she unsuccessfully applied for jobs 79 times through Kent State’s online human resources website and later met with the White chair of the Sociology Department to discuss employment. During the meeting, the suit alleged, the chair allegedly made “racially and sexually inappropriate comments and unwelcome sexual gestures,” including use of profanity and “inappropriately” touched her feet.
Before she sued, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission found no probable cause to pursue her claims.
In his decision, Boyko said remarks that the chair purportedly made during his single informational meeting with Sheppard were insufficient to infer any racially discriminatory intent.
He also held that the chair’s alleged “vague comments” and touching of Sheppard’s feet weren’t serious enough to create a hostile work environment.
The decision allows Sheppard to pursue state law claims, including sex discrimination and emotional distress, in state court.
