ST. LOUIS — A former faculty member and union leader at St. Louis Community College, has filed a lawsuit against the college and three senior administrators, alleging retaliation, discrimination and violations of her constitutional rights.
Dr. Emily Neal, a political science professor and past president of the faculty union, claims she was targeted after advocating for faculty interests and speaking out on issues affecting the college community, according to a complaint filed Oct. 21 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, outlines several grievances Neal faced during her 14-year tenure.
Neal claims that her troubles began in 2017 when she opposed a proposed reduction in faculty, a move she publicly criticized as union vice president.
Shortly thereafter, Neal claims she was subjected to an investigation over classroom comments she made about the college's board of trustees, resulting in a written reprimand rather than the usual verbal warning.
Neal claims she continued to advocate on behalf of faculty members, challenging various administrative actions and policies, and bringing grievances when she believed faculty rights were compromised.
In 2021, Neal sent an email to a colleague about potential student privacy violations under FERPA. She claims she was disciplined again, this time for her "tone," which the administration deemed threatening. However, an independent arbitrator later overturned this discipline, finding it to be retaliatory.
In addition to her union work, Neal’s lawsuit details claims of gender discrimination, citing instances where male colleagues allegedly received more lenient treatment for similar or worse conduct, according to the suit.
Neal claims she filed a formal complaint with the college's administration in April 2021, alleging that her disciplinary actions were motivated by gender bias.
Following the complaint, Neal reported that her workplace environment deteriorated, with increased scrutiny of her actions and denial of professional recognition.
The situation escalated in August 2022 when Neal shared concerns with colleagues over lunch about alleged administrative improprieties.
Days later, she was placed on administrative leave, prohibited from communicating with her students, and subject to another investigation.
Neal was formally recommended for termination in October 2022, citing her statements at the lunch and previous disciplinary matters, including the now-overturned discipline from 2021. Her employment officially ended in March 2023.
In her complaint, Neal argues that her termination and prior disciplinary actions violated her First Amendment rights to free speech and association.
She also alleged claims under Title IX, alleging that she faced harsher treatment than male colleagues for her outspoken advocacy on behalf of the union and faculty.
Neal claims that the defendants' actions were motivated by an anti-union stance and were aimed at silencing her and deterring other faculty members from speaking out.
Neal is seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress and reputational harm. She is represented by Laura E. Schrick of Mathis, Marifian & Richter in Belleville, Ill.
Attorneys declined to comment on the matter.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri case number: 4:24-cv-01407