Two women have filed lawsuits in the Ohio Court of Claims against Central State University alleging patterns of discrimination by President Jack Thomas.
They are among the five women – all current or former employees of Central State – who requested an internal investigation of Thomas that concluded in February.
Thomas was the president of Western Illinois University from 2011 to 2019.
An outside investigator concluded Thomas’ conduct at Central State was may be characterized as “rude, belittling, and bullying,” but did not constitute harassment or discrimination.
However, now the women are taking other action.
Dayton-based attorney David Duwel represents them.
He said in addition to the two lawsuits filed in the Ohio Court of Claims, all five women have filed charges of discrimination with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
One woman also plans to file a Family Medical Leave Act retaliation suit in federal court as early as next week.
Duwel said the complaints stem from the women being outspoken. They would sometimes disagree with Thomas or offer constructive criticism on university issues.
“Their belief was that Dr. Thomas didn’t like to be challenged in his thinking,” he said. “And they were then removed from their positions.”
Duwel said his clients are committed to seeking justice but are afraid to speak publicly or be interviewed by the media.
Two women still employed at Central State “desperately” want their voices to be heard, he said.
“However, they are afraid because the university has failed to protect them and is allowing a man the university itself has acknowledged engages in bullying and toxic behaviors that demoralize women to continue leading the university,” Duwel said.
Central State University is in Wilberforce, Ohio. It is the state’s only public historically black university.
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