News Summary
Mitzi Pitzing, a former program director at UAB, is suing the university for gender discrimination and retaliation after her medical leave was denied. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act and contends that UAB retaliated against her for asserting her rights, ultimately leading to her termination. Pitzing’s claims highlight issues of workplace support in academic settings, and UAB denies the allegations while emphasizing its commitment to employee respect.
Birmingham
Mitzi Pitzing, a former program director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation following her denial of medical leave. The lawsuit, submitted in October 2024, accuses UAB of violating her rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and contends that she was wrongfully terminated after her medical issues.
Pitzing claims that despite having legitimate grounds for medical leave, she was not permitted to utilize the full benefits to which she was entitled. Instead, she asserts that UAB retaliated against her for asserting her rights under the FMLA, leading directly to her dismissal.
Background of Employment
Pitzing began her career at UAB’s medical school in 2014, and throughout her tenure, she received multiple promotions and consistently positive evaluations of her performance. Her work history also includes various roles within the University of Alabama System prior to her position at UAB.
The lawsuit further indicates that Pitzing faced significant challenges while managing personal medical crises. These challenges were exacerbated by alleged unfortunate comments made about her wife by colleagues. Specifically, Pitzing states that she was prompted to perform her job responsibilities from her hospital bed during 2019 and was required to attend work events in 2023 despite her doctor advising her to refrain from such activities due to a back injury.
Details of the Lawsuit
Central to Pitzing’s claims is the assertion that Dr. Jean Ann Larson, her former supervisor and associate dean at the School of Medicine, contributed to a hostile work environment. Pitzing contends that the discrimination she faced led not only to her arduous working conditions but also culminated in her termination later in 2023.
UAB has denied all claims made by Pitzing, maintaining that her firing was not retaliatory. The university states that decisions regarding her employment were based on valid, non-discriminatory reasons. A spokesperson for UAB emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering a work environment where faculty and staff are respected and supported.
Reactions and Implications
The case has drawn attention to broader issues concerning workplace support for employees who encounter medical and personal difficulties, particularly within academic settings. Pitzing’s attorney has expressed disappointment in UAB’s actions, labeling them as contradictory to the university’s publicly stated values.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications not only for Pitzing but also for institutional policies regarding employee treatment and accommodations in similar situations. As companies and institutions review their practices related to medical leave and employee rights, this case may serve as a crucial example for understanding the complexities of workplace dynamics involving health-related challenges.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Former UAB Medical School Employee Claims Hostile Workplace, Sues
- Wikipedia: Gender Discrimination
- Alabama Reflector: UAB Students, UA Professors File for a Stay of Alabama’s Anti-DEI Law
- Google Search: UAB lawsuit
- Yellowhammer News: UAB Awarded Federal Grant to Study Transgender Vaginal Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Family and Medical Leave Act
- AL.com: UAB Told Student “It Happens” After She Was Allegedly Raped
- Google News: University of Alabama at Birmingham
