nation lawsuit filed by a university officer who alleged she was turned down for a job because of her race and gender.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court by UOG career placement officer Leah Beth Naholowaa, who is of Filipino descent. She filed her complaint in August.
In a response filed on Oct. 2, UOG denied all allegations cited in the lawsuit. UOG legal counsel Victorina Renacia claimed Naholowaa failed to file charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision.
Naholowaa has been employed with UOG since Sept. 22, 2000. She sued UOG on four counts of discrimination. She is represented by attorney Daniel Somerfleck.
The complaint states that the plaintiff’s federal claims have jurisdiction because Naholowaa filed charges with EEOC. The commission issued her a right-to-sue-letter on May 13, which was not received by Naholowaa.
Naholowaa alleged that she applied for the position of financial aid director in January of 2008. After interviews were conducted, the job was given to a less qualified non-Filipino male, the complaint said. When he left the position another non-Filipino male was selected as interim director without interviewing other qualified candidates including Naholowaa.
In the second count, Naholowaa claimed that non-Filipino enrollment management and student services unit heads were able to teach classes for additional compensation, but not her.
Naholowaa’s personnel records also show that performance evaluations for the years of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 still have not been completed, while male and non Filipino evaluations are timely completed.
Naholowaa was also demoted from an administrator to a non-classified service employment status.
She is suing to be offered the financial aid director position and back pay of lost wages from the time of this dispute to the time of resolution. She is also asking that UOG pay her back pay for salary increments that were not processed, compensation for lost wages, and reinstatement of leave.
She is also suing for her position to be returned to the status of a classified position, and that UOG be responsible for hours charged to Naholowaa for attorney consultations and attorney fees and costs.
A scheduling conference will be held on Nov. 16 before federal judge Joaquin Manibusan.
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