Retaliation

University of Missouri Faces Lawsuit for Alleged Retaliation Against Whistleblower Employee

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COLUMBIA, Mo.— A former University of Missouri employee has filed a lawsuit against the university’s governing body, claiming she faced retaliation after reporting several serious concerns, including ethical issues and financial mismanagement within a university program. The legal claim brought forward by April Ravert centers on her allegations against Bradd Anderson, director of ParentLink, a program designed to support families and children. Ravert, who served as a family support specialist from Aug. 15, 2006, to her dismissal on June 28, 2024, contends that after she raised concerns about Anderson’s conduct starting in March 2023, she … Read more

Former Utah Tech President Sued for Allegedly Leaving Inappropriate Display on Employee’s Porch, Claims of Retaliation Arise

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St. George, Utah — A high-profile lawsuit has emerged involving the former president of Utah Tech University, Richard Williams, who is accused of leaving a lewd Halloween display on an employee’s porch in 2022 and subsequent retaliatory behavior. The civil lawsuit alleges that the incident is part of a larger pattern of inappropriate actions and misuse of authority. The lawsuit stems from an event where Williams, then-president of the university, allegedly left a mannequin with its face covered in blackface on the porch of a Black employee, Rachel Himsworth. Himsworth claims that this act was … Read more

Mesa Arts Curator Sues City over Alleged Censorship and Retaliation Following Police Brutality Art Dispute

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Mesa, AZ — A legal battle is unfolding in Mesa, Arizona as Tiffany Fairall, a former chief curator at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, has initiated a lawsuit against the city alleging infringement of her First Amendment rights. According to court documents filed on October 31, Fairall asserts that her termination was a form of retaliation after she resisted censorship concerning an art piece focusing on police brutality in an exhibition by artist Shepard Fairey. The contentious piece, titled “My Florist is a Dick,” features a skeletal portrayal of a police officer in riot gear, … Read more

Somerville Police Officer Wins $800,000 in Damages After Retaliation Verdict Against City Officials

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Somerville, Mass. — A federal court jury in Boston has awarded Mario DiFronzo, a former police officer from the city of Somerville, a total of $800,000 in damages after finding the city and several former officials guilty of First Amendment retaliation and interference with an advantageous relationship. The decision, reached on Wednesday, came after DiFronzo alleged he was unfairly targeted by city leaders for whistleblowing on corruption within the police department. DiFronzo, who joined the Somerville Police Department in 2008, became known as a vocal critic of the department after voicing concerns over practices he … Read more