Facts

Lynn Hamrick worked as an assistant professor in Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Hamrick alleged that in 2007 she was denied tenure because she was a woman. The denial of tenure was appealed to Chapman University's grievance committee, which ruled in Hamrick's favor. The decision was later vacated by Chapman's Faculty Senate Executive Board.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that Chapman's decision was linked to Hamrick's sex. Chapman denied the allegations of sex discrimination and did not admit to liability in agreeing to settle the matter.

Result

The parties settled. Chapman University agreed to administer a retroactive promotion for Hamrick to the position of associate professor applicable to the final year of her employment (she previously left her employment at the university in 2008 and was not reinstated as a result of the settlement) and to pay $175,000 to Hamrick in monetary relief.

Other Information

This case was settled during conciliation, part of the EEOC's administrative process (pre-litigation).