via Amarillo Globe-News (5.28.11):
Deaf Professor Wins Suit Over Firing
A Lubbock County jury has decided Texas Tech University should pay a former professor more than $500,000 for discriminating against him because he is deaf.
Michael L. Collier, a deaf, tenure-track assistant professor hired to teach American Sign Language and other courses relating to deaf culture, was abruptly dismissed in October 2006.
The jury found Collier's disability was directly related to his termination...
"We wanted to show Tech it's wrong to bully a disabled person," said Bob Schmidt, one of Collier's attorneys.
He said the damages and pay the jury awarded Collier made it clear it is not OK for the university to treat disabled professors like second-class citizens.
How do you feel higher education institutions can increase inclusion for not only faculty members, but staff and students with disabilities as well? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
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