DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has found reasonable cause to believe that Richland Community College violated federal law by discriminating against and retaliating against a former employee.
The EEOC's Final Determination indicates that Jennifer Reichart, the former Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Title IX Coordinator was subjected to harassment and discharged due to her sex and for opposing discriminatory practices.
According to her charge of discrimination, Reichart opposed discriminatory and retaliatory conduct by Richland’s president, Dr. Cristobal Valdez, and raised concerns about harassment of women.
Reichart was hired in September 2022, to lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and Title IX initiatives. She was terminated in January 2023, after what the EEOC now recognizes as protected opposition to discrimination.
She emphasizes that the EEOC's determination validates her experience and highlights the need for accountability.
The EEOC has invited Richland to engage in conciliation to resolve the issue; if unsuccessful, the agency may pursue legal action or Reichart may file claims independently.
Potential remedies could include back pay, compensatory damages, and corrective measures to prevent future discrimination.
WAND has reached out to Richland Community College for a statement regarding the findings and have yet to hear back.
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