PHILADELPHIA — A transgender and former professor at Pennsylvania State University alleges its denial of tenure was due to a disability.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Brownson filed a complaint July 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Pennsylvania State University, alleging sex discrimination, wrongful termination, violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other claims.
According to his complaint, Brownson, who is a transgender and suffers from Gender Dysphoria, was a former professor at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Brownson claims that the denial of tenure as a professor in March of 2020 was due to a disability.
Brownson - who says he has published papers in multiple journals, authored a book and advised doctoral and masters students - alleges that other professors at the university with lesser qualifications were given tenure and that the denial has caused financial damages as well as emotional distress.
The plaintiff further alleges that the denial of a promotion and termination are in violation of the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. Also according to Brownson's suit, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a right to sue on April 5.
Brownson seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. Brownson is represented by Julie Chovanes of Chovanes Law in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:21-CV-02986