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 experienced severe professional repercussions.
Specifically, the court papers outline a series of retaliatory actions allegedly taken by Anderson, including reassignment of Ravert’s work duties, denial of support for her grant applications, and exclusion from critical stakeholder meetings. Additionally, Ravert was subjected to a performance improvement plan, received a smaller merit raise than expected, and was ultimately terminated from her position.
Further compounding the controversy, court filings reveal that Ravert reported a registered sex offender was actively participating in ParentLink’s Kinship Caregiver Advisory Council in 2023. According to Ravert, Anderson delayed reporting this to the proper authorities, instructing her to wait until he had consulted with the university’s general counsel.
The suit also accuses ParentLink of mishandling fiscal resources and grant funds, and alleges that Ravert was pressured to divulge confidential client information, which she reported to the University Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services.
The University of Missouri and Bradd Anderson have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing litigation.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges and complexities within internal reporting systems at institutions, raising questions about the protection and support for whistleblowers who disclose potential wrongdoing.
As the case progresses, it underscores ongoing debates about accountability and oversight in educational and childcare programs, particularly concerning how complaints and ethical concerns are managed by those in positions of authority.
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