By: Maximillian Boudreaux

The University of Idaho will now face a discrimination lawsuit after a federal judge allowed a two-year-old complaint to advance to the next step.  

According to the American Bar Association ABA Journal, UI College of Law Professor Shaakirrah Sanders first submitted the complaint in 2019. The complaint was altered in 2019 and 2020.  

Sanders claimed the UI College of Law unfairly rejected her for an associate dean position in 2017. Throughout her 10 years of employment with the university, she experienced unjust conditions and terms. In 2014 and 2015, the University of Idaho asked Professor Sanders to teach a heavier course load than her fellow colleagues but the university did provide her with extra compensation or a course release.  

RELATED: Black Officer Files Lawsuit Against Department For Discrimination, Alleges Retaliation After  

Sanders further alleged the university punished her when she spoke about the treatment she was receiving. 

A summary judgment motion seeking to dismiss the case was initiated by the University of Idaho. The university argued Sanders failed to put the complaint in on time, as well as prove a genuine dispute of material fact. 

The ABA Journal mentioned U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill denied the university’s argument. Judge Winmill believed the evidence submitted “is more than sufficient” to raise question of material fact. 

Judge Winmill explained his ruling in a 90-page memorandum that indicated the UI’s Office of Civil Rights and Investigation had gotten at least 35 reports surrounding sexual or racial discrimination at the College of Law from 2011 through 2020. 

RELATED: Tulane University’s First Black Residency Director Files Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

However, it’s still a mystery as to whether the complaints came from the same person or not. But these complaints prompted a “climate and culture” review during the 2017-18 school year, which required the interviewing of nearly three dozen College of Law faculty and staff.  

In the ABA Journal it was noted that several faculty members felt “females are disproportionately ‘shut down’ or admonished by those in the senior leadership group for the aggressive communication,” and that gender bias affected “who is allowed to speak at meetings and in what way.” The leadership of the College of Law changed after the review. 

Judge Winmill did remove two claims based on alleged violations of state whistleblower and academic freedom laws. He also acknowledged that the university is immune from lawsuits in federal court regarding state law.  

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.