MCAD approves Sullivan lawsuit
by Liz Posner
News | 10/13/09
Posted online at 3:37 AM EST on 10/13/09
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination recently approved an age-discrimination case submitted in 2006 by former Brandeis women's softball coach Mary Sullivan against the University. Sullivan told the Justice that the MCAD found "probable cause" in her claim of age discrimination.
The controversy began in July of 2006 when the then-54-year-old Sullivan was fired and replaced by 28-year-old Jessica Johnson despite the fact that that year, Sullivan had coached the Judges to a turnaround season in which they won 11 more games than they had the past season. Johnson is currently in her third season as head coach. Sullivan's firing drew even more controversy because Athletic Director Sheryl Sousa '90, who had initiated Sullivan's termination, had played softball under Sullivan during her time at Brandeis. Sullivan was told that the reason behind her firing was that she had not met the standards required of her as coach.
In 2006, 59-year-old Cliff Hauptmann alleged age discrimination after being fired by the University after 14 years in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Communications.
"There have actually been very few age discrimination claims filed against the University in the past few years. … It is not unusual for such a large employer to be the subject of periodic employment claims. The University handles each case individually," Associate General Counsel Steven Locke said.
Sullivan filed her case to the MCAD alleging age discrimination in January 2007. In July 2009, Sullivan and the University received notification of the MCAD ruling, which found probable cause to credit Sullivan's allegations of age discrimination by the University. Legal procedure required both parties to attend a conciliation conference at the commissioner's office Aug. 19. Sullivan attended with her lawyer, Harold Litchtin, opposite Steven Locke from the Office of the General Counsel and Jean Eddy, vice president of Students and Enrollment.
The controversy began in July of 2006 when the then-54-year-old Sullivan was fired and replaced by 28-year-old Jessica Johnson despite the fact that that year, Sullivan had coached the Judges to a turnaround season in which they won 11 more games than they had the past season. Johnson is currently in her third season as head coach. Sullivan's firing drew even more controversy because Athletic Director Sheryl Sousa '90, who had initiated Sullivan's termination, had played softball under Sullivan during her time at Brandeis. Sullivan was told that the reason behind her firing was that she had not met the standards required of her as coach.
In 2006, 59-year-old Cliff Hauptmann alleged age discrimination after being fired by the University after 14 years in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Communications.
"There have actually been very few age discrimination claims filed against the University in the past few years. … It is not unusual for such a large employer to be the subject of periodic employment claims. The University handles each case individually," Associate General Counsel Steven Locke said.
Sullivan filed her case to the MCAD alleging age discrimination in January 2007. In July 2009, Sullivan and the University received notification of the MCAD ruling, which found probable cause to credit Sullivan's allegations of age discrimination by the University. Legal procedure required both parties to attend a conciliation conference at the commissioner's office Aug. 19. Sullivan attended with her lawyer, Harold Litchtin, opposite Steven Locke from the Office of the General Counsel and Jean Eddy, vice president of Students and Enrollment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Bethany Joseph
posted 10/13/09 @ 10:39 PM EST
I have not, and will not, contribute to my beloved alma mater until this matter is resolved and the school does right by Coach Sullivan. It is ridiculous that anyone would be treated in this manner, but to know that it is my coach, at my school is just heartbreaking. (Continued…)
Jen Schoen
posted 10/14/09 @ 8:24 PM EST
Some of the best lessons I learned at Brandeis involved how we live and take care of our community. I met my best friends at Brandeis, including my husband, and I had some of the most spectacular faculty who believed in us as stars of the future. (Continued…)
Gina Gubitosi
posted 10/17/09 @ 2:11 PM EST
I initially found out about Coach Sullivan's dismissal about a year and a half ago when my daughter contacted the athletic department at Brandeis as a potential soccer recruit. (Continued…)
Beth Lawson
posted 10/19/09 @ 9:13 PM EST
Brandeis has felt like home for as long as I can remember. At least it did until Coach was unceremoniously fired. After that, it was a place I missed. (Continued…)
Kelly Connolly
posted 10/24/09 @ 11:01 AM EST
It is astonishing to me to see the university turn its back on a person who single-handedly initiated, not one, but two athletic programs at Brandeis. (Continued…)
Melissa Hafter
posted 10/25/09 @ 8:48 PM EST
This is simply appalling behavior by the University and by Sheryl Sousa, with whom I played 3 seasons of Brandeis Softball. Mary Sullivan coached us to many a win with 1 often hurt pitcher over the course of 3 years. (Continued…)
Bethany Joseph
posted 10/25/09 @ 11:23 PM EST
Great to see you guys posting up for Coach. Missy - the spring training trip was something Coach had asked for over the years and never got - like so much of the missing parity with Men's sports. (Continued…)
Chris Corsac
posted 10/26/09 @ 3:42 PM EST
I played softball at Brandeis for Coach Sullivan from 1985-88. Her passion for the sport, knowledge of the game and ability to motivate her players were key components of her success. (Continued…)
Post a Comment