Gender Discrimination Case Likely to Proceed Against Morgan State University

In 2014, Dr. Leah Hollis accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University. At the time of her hire, Hollis, already a renowned expert in the field of institutional bullying, had ten years of teaching experience, had co-edited a collection of peer reviewed essays, co-authored a book and written two on her own, including Unequal Opportunity: Fired without cause? Filing with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).

Five years after that book was published, Hollis filed her own suit against Morgan State and six of its leaders, alleging gender discrimination in pay and retaliatory harassment.

Dr. Leah HollisOn April 11, 2019, the EEOC issued the findings of its independent investigation into her claims, including a letter of determination in her favor. According to the EEOC, Morgan State had “subjected [Hollis] to unequal pay because of her sex,” and that Hollis experienced “unlawful retaliation” after reporting her concerns.

Now, her team of lawyers is completing their discovery and preparing to face the Maryland historically Black college and university (HBCU) in court.

Morgan State has denied the allegations. College officials did not respond to requests by Diverse for comment. 

It is highly unusual for the EEOC to find in favor of complaints, said Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Hirsh, an associate professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia. 

“In the best of times, only 5-7% of claims are found to have reasonable cause,” said Hirsh. “Some years it’s 2-3%. In this case, it’s even more rare. The EEOC has a formal resolution process. Two thirds to three quarters end in reconciliation, but this failed.”