Alabama university ordered to pay millions in discrimination case

An Iranian-born cancer researcher filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the University of Alabama at Birmingham, claiming she faced severe harassment from a colleague, Mary Jo Cagle, from the start of her employment in 2011 until her termination in 2020. The harassment included racial slurs and a threatening incident where Cagle brandished a gun at the researcher and her daughter. Despite multiple reports to human resources, the university allegedly ignored the complaints, leading to a hostile work environment. The lawsuit highlighted a pattern of abuse, with corroborating evidence such as witness accounts and audio recordings presented during the trial. The jury found that Cagle acted with malice and reckless indifference to the researcher’s rights based on her nationality. The university's actions, including the arrest of the researcher after she attempted to report Cagle, were deemed as adverse employment actions that hindered her ability to file a complaint. The university expressed its commitment to integrity and respect but disagreed with the jury's verdict and is considering its next steps. The case has drawn attention to workplace discrimination and the responsibilities of institutions to protect their employees from harassment. In addition to the federal lawsuit, the researcher has filed separate assault charges against the lab head, Clinton Grubbs, in state court, indicating ongoing legal challenges stemming from her experiences at the university. Both cases remain pending, highlighting the complexities of addressing workplace discrimination and the legal ramifications involved.