News Summary
Mitzi Pitzing, a former employee of UAB, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging gender discrimination and retaliation after her medical leave request was denied. The case claims a hostile work environment, resulting in her wrongful termination. Pitzing asserts she was eligible for protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act but faced criticism and a lack of support. With the university denying the allegations, the lawsuit highlights systemic issues related to gender discrimination and treatment of employees, potentially impacting policies across the institution.
Birmingham, Alabama – A federal lawsuit has been filed against the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) by Mitzi Pitzing, a former employee, accusing the institution of gender discrimination and retaliation after her request for medical leave was denied. The lawsuit, submitted in October 2024, outlines a series of allegations that Pitzing faced a hostile work environment and was wrongfully terminated due to her medical issues.
Pitzing, who served as a program director at UAB, claims she was eligible for medical leave and protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), yet she was denied the ability to utilize these benefits. According to her allegations, her termination in late 2023 directly resulted from her exercising her rights under the FMLA, amidst a backdrop of unfounded criticisms and a lack of support from management.
The lawsuit highlights Pitzing’s professional trajectory at UAB, noting that she had received positive performance reviews and was promoted multiple times since joining the UAB medical school in 2014. However, she asserts that her work environment became increasingly hostile, citing specific derogatory comments attributed to her former supervisor, Dr. Jean Ann Larson, including remarks related to her personal life and her wife.
Medical Issues and Work Environment Concerns
Pitzing’s claims point to an incident from 2019 when she was reportedly asked to fulfill work responsibilities while hospitalized. Additionally, she states that after sustaining a back injury at work in 2023, she was urged to attend work events despite her doctor’s recommendation against it. These incidents have contributed to her assertion that the university failed to provide a supportive work environment conducive to her health and well-being.
Retaliation Claims and University Response
The core of Pitzing’s lawsuit revolves around allegations of retaliation involving her medical leave request. The university has firmly denied these claims and stated that all employment decisions concerning Pitzing were based on legitimate, non-discriminatory, and non-retaliatory reasons. UAB’s representatives also countered claims regarding evaluation discrepancies, asserting that Pitzing’s positive reviews were not the only factor in her employment status.
The university’s response also included an emphasis on its commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive work culture. Despite this, Pitzing’s attorney raised concerns regarding systemic issues related to gender discrimination and retaliation within the university, indicating that Pitzing’s case may not be an isolated incident.
Background on Pitzing’s Employment
Pitzing began her career within the University of Alabama System before her tenure at UAB, where she dedicated nearly a decade to her role. The allegations emerging in the lawsuit reveal larger discussions regarding workplace policies and treatment of employees, especially in contexts involving medical leave and gender discrimination.
This lawsuit is significant not only for Pitzing but also as it may shed light on practices within UAB that potentially impact many employees. The outcome of the case could influence how medical leave is handled and highlight the importance of addressing discrimination and retaliation in workplace environments, particularly in academic settings.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the university will maintain its stance that it acts in compliance with employment laws, while Pitzing seeks accountability for what she describes as an unjust termination and a violation of her rights.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Former UAB Medical School Employee Claims Hostile Workplace, Sues
- Wikipedia: Gender discrimination
- The Crimson White: University Allows Student Organization to Omit Part of Misconduct Policy from Bylaws
- Google Search: University of Alabama workplace policies
- AL Reporter: Students Protest Changes to Non-Discrimination Policy at University of Alabama
- Google Scholar: Hostile workplace claims
- 1819 News: University of Alabama YAF Chapter Wins First Amendment Fight Against School Administration Gender Ideology Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Discrimination in the workplace
- NBC15: UA Students Rally for Equality
- Google News: University of Alabama lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
