Former Waynesburg University employee files suit
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WAYNESBURG – A former Waynesburg University administrative coordinator filed a lawsuit against the university claiming her employment contract was not renewed in retaliation for reporting “unethical practices” in the university’s nursing program.
The lawsuit was filed last week with the Greene County Court by Miranda Chapman of Waynesburg, who was hired by the university under a 12-month contract in August 2012, according to the complaint.
Chapman alleges that in late 2012 she became aware of unethical practices in her department, that included misinforming students about the availability of financial aid and registering students for classes who did not meet the school’s stated requirement of a 3.0 grade-point average.
These “unethical practices” were put in place by the nursing program’s co-directors, Kim Whiteman and Kim Stevens, “in breach of the school’s written academic standards,” the suit said.
Chapman claims she reported these practices in March to David Mariner, dean of graduate and professional studies. Shortly afterwards, she also informed Human Relations of the matter.
On March 20, Chapman was informed by Mariner her contract would not be renewed for the upcoming academic year.
“Plaintiff believes, and therefore avers, that she was terminated due to her reports of the waste, wrongdoing and unethical practices in the RN and BSN program,” the suit states.
The lawsuit notes that in August 2012, about the time she was hired, the registered nursing and Bachelor of Science in nursing program was more than doubled in length, from 16 months to 3 1/2 years. This had resulted in a drop in enrollment, it said.
The suit claims the university’s actions constitute a breach of contract and are in violation of the state Whistleblower Law, based on Chapman’s “good faith” reporting internally of wrongdoing.
Chapman claims the university’s actions have resulted in a loss of income and benefits and loss of status, professional and personal reputation. Chapman asks for jury trial.
The university declined to comment on the suit. “It is the policy of Waynesburg University not to comment publically concerning personnel matters involving current or former employees,” Robin L. King, senior vice president of enrollment and university relations, said in an email response.