Discrimination Lawsuit: Former CMU Professor Takes on University in Bold Legal Challenge

A former math professor at Colorado Mesa University, Ana Berrizbeitia, has filed a federal lawsuit against the school. She claims wrongful termination and discrimination, just under a year after another high-profile lawsuit involving a former lacrosse coach was settled.

Berrizbeitia, who is Hispanic, began her role at CMU in August 2018 and was let go in August 2024. She filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in December, but she feels the response has been slow.

In her lawsuit, Berrizbeitia refutes several accusations from the university. She alleges that when she was notified of her termination, she was wrongly accused of trying to identify students who left negative evaluations, confrontations with students, and inappropriate comments about another student. Berrizbeitia asserts these claims are merely a disguise for discriminatory behavior.

She noted that evaluations in her small upper-division classes were not anonymous. Berrizbeitia aimed to create a comfortable classroom environment, insisting that she never disclosed private student information. Moreover, she clarified that the student involved had a good relationship with her and was not the source of the complaints.

Interestingly, the lawsuit contrasts her treatment with that of a white colleague, who faced minor repercussions for stapling fast-food applications to failing exams. Berrizbeitia reported receiving reprimands for less significant issues, such as how she expressed herself in class.

She expressed frustration over being told to alter her natural demeanor to make others comfortable, feeling pressured to conform to a standard that prioritizes the comfort of others over her own identity. Her lawsuit highlights feelings of exclusion based on race and gender.

According to her claims, the university’s policies were enforced more strictly against her than against her white male colleagues. Berrizbeitia argues that her termination was not about her actions, but rather retaliation for opposing workplace discrimination.

The university has chosen not to comment on ongoing litigation. This case follows a previous lawsuit by former CMU women’s lacrosse coach Shanta Loecker, which resulted in a settlement of over $36,000 after she alleged gender and race discrimination.

As conversations around discrimination in educational spaces grow, Berrizbeitia’s case adds to the ongoing dialogue regarding equity and inclusion in academia. Recent studies show that minority faculty often face more scrutiny compared to their white counterparts, highlighting the need for systemic change within educational institutions.

By bringing her experiences to light, Berrizbeitia contributes to a larger conversation about the challenges faced by diverse educators in today’s academic landscape.

For further details, you can refer to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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