WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A former Newman University professor who alleged the university discriminated against her because she was a woman should receive more than $800,000 in damages and be reinstated, a federal jury ruled Monday.
The jury found in favor of Cindy Louthan, former assistant professor of elementary education at Newman, who sued the private Roman Catholic university in Wichita in 2018.
Cindy Louthan alleged a supervisor was hostile toward women and harassed and discriminated against her because she is female. She also contended the university did not investigate her concerns and punished her when she complained about the supervisor, ending in her losing her job, The Wichita Eagle reported.
“We are disappointed in the jury’s decision and are considering our appeal options,” Teresa Hall Bartels, the interim president said in a written statement. “Newman University’s mission and core values insist community members respect the dignity of others and interact with integrity and honesty with all. Since this case involves employee matters we will have no further comment at this time.”
Louthan’s attorney, Sean McGivern, said she plans to pursue reinstatement.
Louthan was one of five former university employees who sued the school in Wichita alleging unfair treatment or termination in recent years. The university has denied the allegations in each case.
