MSU employee files lawsuit against the school
A Murray State University employee placed on administrative leave in August has filed a lawsuit against the school.The Murray Sentinel reports the suit was filed by Darcie Liddle in Calloway Circuit Court Monday.
Liddle's suit alleges she was retaliated against after repeatedly raising concerns about whether university purchases and contracts complied with state procurement laws.
The suit also alleges sex discrimination, arguing her treatment was part of a broader pattern involving women in senior and administrative roles during President Dr. Ron Patterson’s tenure.
Liddle had been named procurement services director in May after serving in an interim capacity since November of last year.
In that role, she handled purchase orders, bids, capital projects and personal service contracts, all of which required compliance with state procurement laws.
In March, then-Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Laura Foltz told Liddle she intended to promote her to the director position permanently. However, the complaint alleges President Dr. Patterson opposed the internal promotion and required a formal search to fill the position.
According to the complaint, Foltz told Liddle that Dr. Patterson was reluctant to promote her “because they had ‘butted heads’ on multiple occasions over whether requested purchases and transactions were legally permissible.” Liddle was named to the position anyway.
On August 7th, LIddle learned she would be placed on administrative leave effective August 14th. According to the complaint, she had received no prior disciplinary action. The complaint further alleges the university gave Liddle no explanation for the decision.
Under the terms of the leave, Liddle would continue receiving her salary and benefits, but she lost access to university systems and was not expected to perform any work. She was also informed her contract would not be renewed unless a future supervisor decided otherwise.
Liddle is asking the court for declaratory and injunctive relief, back pay, lost benefits and retirement-related losses. She is also seeking reinstatement to an appropriate position or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible, punitive damages on the whistleblower claim and compensatory damages on the sex-discrimination claim, as well as attorney and witness fees and interest.
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Murray State employee files whistleblower lawsuit - The Murray Sentinel
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