Former Department Head Sues William Paterson Due to Demotion

A former department chairwoman at William Paterson University filed a lawsuit against the school in state court last month alleging she was demoted because of her race and personal beliefs, a printed report states.

Alhea Hylton-Lindsay of Paterson was removed from her post of chairwoman of the Department of Secondary and Middle School Education, a position she held for more than three years, in December 2012, NorthJersey.com reported Thursday.

The suit alleges that Dr. Candace Burns, dean of the College of Education, discriminated against Hylton-Lindsay because she is African American and a born-again Christian.

The suit states that Burns called police after Hylton-Lindsay reportedly prayed with Burns’ secretary after Burns allegedly yelled at her. Burns also allegedly was “clearly uncomfortable” with Hylton-Lindsay having her hair styled into an afro after she went swimming in the pool and asked her “what’s wrong with your hair?” the suit states.

She was removed from being department chair Dec. 18 for her insubordination and inappropriate and unprofessional communication with Dean Burns,” a letter from Edward Veil, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs states.