Ousted LGBT Center director files two lawsuits against Ohio University, including class action
The former director of Ohio University’s LGBT Center, delfin bautista, who was ousted in January 2019, filed on Monday two lawsuits against the university — one alleging it treated them unfairly on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and the other primarily a class action demanding relief for university employees who have been required to pay back work-related expenses.
The discrimination suit was filed in The Southern District of Ohio, a federal court, and the class action was filed in the Ohio Court of Claims, both on bautista’s (who uses they/them pronouns and the lowercase spelling of their name) behalf by Athens attorney Michael Fradin who has a history of representing clients across the region in both civil rights and class action lawsuits.
“True to delfin’s altruistic nature and their tendency to focus on their community, they have chosen to seek justice not only for themself but for all others similarly situated,” Fradin said of his client in a statement.
OU in 2019 did not initially provide a clear reasoning for letting go of bautista, prompting backlash among students and members of the LGBTQ community, much of it aimed at Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Gigi Secuban who authorized their removal.
Read more: https://www.athensnews.com/news/local/ousted-lgbt-center-director-files-two-lawsuits-against-ohio-university-including-class-action/article_575fcee1-eccf-5330-9e12-52bbbc4052d1.html
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