Title: Tenured Professor Files Lawsuit Against St. Thomas College of Law for Wrongful Termination
A tenured professor at the St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, Lauren Gilbert, recently made headlines after filing a civil lawsuit against the institution in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County. Gilbert, who had been a full tenured professor since 2009, was abruptly terminated by the dean of the law school, Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, in July. The termination letter, which cited various reasons for her dismissal, gave Gilbert only one day to clear out her office and return university property.
Grounds for Gilbert’s firing included an altercation with a security guard in 2010, as well as more recent incidents such as allegedly being dismissive of rumors about an active shooter on campus, sending disparaging emails about the hiring of an adjunct professor, and engaging in inappropriate behavior at faculty meetings. Despite these allegations, Gilbert’s attorney, David Frakt, argues that the law school failed to follow proper due process procedures outlined in Gilbert’s employment contract.
According to Frakt, once a professor achieves tenure, especially full professorship, they are guaranteed a job for life. The termination letter referenced the university employee handbook’s termination policy, which allows for immediate dismissal without warning for any reason or no reason if safety rules are violated. However, Frakt contends that the law school’s faculty handbook outlines different regulations for tenured faculty members, requiring adequate cause for termination and providing for a formal hearing process.
The American Association of University Professors has also voiced support for Gilbert, stating that the university’s actions are “fundamentally at odds with basic standards of academic due process.” Despite ongoing investigations into Gilbert’s conduct, the university has yet to clarify whether a formal hearing will be held as per the faculty handbook’s guidelines.
As the legal battle unfolds, Gilbert remains hopeful for a fair resolution, whether that means being reinstated to her position or reaching a reasonable settlement. The case raises important questions about academic freedom, tenure rights, and the responsibility of institutions to uphold due process in employment matters. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
