Legal Advocacy Fund Cases
Lulu Sun v. University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Case Adopted 12/10
Case Update 6/11
In an unprecedented move, in early June 2011, the Hearing Officer ordered the promotion of Dr. Sun to full Professor and awarded her all of her lost wages, which amounts to $154,503.03, as well as $200,000 in emotional distress damages. The University will also be charged a civil penalty of $10,000, and University administrators will be required to attend a training session on employment discrimination law. It is expected the University will appeal the decision.
Case Background
Lulu Sun, an English professor, has alleged sex and race discrimination in the promotion process at UMass Dartmouth. Sun filed charges with Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), which found probable cause for a case claiming discrimination based on gender, race, and national origin, and retaliation. Not only will Sun seek a promotion and damages for this injustice, but also an order from the MCAD that the University administration must undertake training in diversity and anti-discrimination as well as actively recruit and promote women faculty, especially women of color.
The public hearing was held in December 2010 and January 2011. AAUW is offering financial support to the case.