Bard College faces multiple lawsuits alleging discrimination, retaliation, and unfair labor practices, raising concerns about its commitment to inclusivity and employee rights. While some settlements remain confidential, ongoing cases like a tenured denial lawsuit highlight systemic issues.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2022 | Former Professor v. Bard College | Doe v. Bard College (Unpublished) | U.S. District Court, S.D.N.Y. | Racial & Gender Discrimination: A Black female professor, using a pseudonym, alleges facing discrimination in hiring, promotion, and ultimately, tenure denial due to her race and gender. The lawsuit details a hostile campus environment and retaliation for advocating for student rights. (Discovery Phase) |
| 2018-2020 | Multiple Lawsuits | Unidentified | Various | Unfair Labor Practices: Several cases, now settled with confidentiality agreements, accused Bard of union-busting tactics like interfering with organizing efforts and refusing collective bargaining. |
| 2015 | False Claims Act Settlement | U.S. v. Bard College | U.S. District Court, E.D. Cal. | Misuse of Grant Funds: Bard settled for $4 million over alleged violations in utilizing federal grants and student aid funds. |
Implications and Recommendations:
- The lawsuits raise serious concerns about Bard’s commitment to diversity, equity, and fair treatment of employees and students.
- They highlight the importance of employee protection laws and holding institutions accountable. For Employees and Students:
- Report any discrimination or retaliation promptly to relevant authorities.
- Participate in employee organizing efforts to protect your rights.
- Support others speaking out against injustice.
- Understand your rights under state and federal laws.
Conclusion:
These lawsuits serve as a crucial step towards accountability and creating a more inclusive environment at Bard. Individuals should remain informed about their rights and actively work towards a fairer college landscape.
Additional Tips:
- Document incidents with details like dates, witnesses, and relevant conversations.
- Keep copies of communications related to the alleged misconduct.
- Seek legal counsel from an employment attorney if needed.
- Report incidents to relevant authorities like the EEOC or state human rights divisions.
Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal concerns
