INVESTIGATION
Edison State discrimination suit settled for $85,000
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They are however implementing some major changes because of what happened. Four in your corner's mike mason explains. College officials are glad to have this lawsuit behind them. And they say they want to make sure nothing like this ever happens agai Video by fox4now.com
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An emergency meeting called on campus is bringing sweeping changes tonight. From the course swapping scandal to accusations of discrimination Video by fox4now.com
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FORT MYERS - Edison State College settles a discrimination lawsuit, but refuses to admit any wrongdoing.
They are however implementing some major changes because of all this. College officials are glad to have this lawsuit behind them. They want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
Edison's board of trustees voted unanimously to approve the settlement of a discrimination lawsuit filed by Dr. Vivian Lilly.
Although exact details of the settlement are sealed, the college agreed to pay Lilly $85,000 dollars.
"Of that amount, $65,000 dollars will be paid by the insurance companies making this settlement a good business decision for the college." An attorney familiar with the case said.
A good business decision because Edison could have paid much more if the case went to trial.
It all began when Lilly says she applied for a position as dean of nursing at Edison.
Witnesses say former Vice President of Edison, James Browder, made remarks about Lilly, to the effect of "African American candidates from out of town don't (often) work out here".
In the settlement, Lilly asserted claims that the selection process was tainted by discrimination against her based upon her race.
Even though Edison officials agreed to pay Lilly for her claims, college President Dr. Kenneth Walker will not admit the college did anything wrong.
Mike Mason: “You're not going to admit any wrongdoing?”
Kenneth Walker: "Correct. We feel there was no discrimination whatsoever.
Mike: “Then, why did you settle?
Walker: “You have to settle as a business reason."
The settlement agreement requires Edison to hire an equity officer to train staff on how to be more sensitive to equality issues.
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