Lois Carter Schlissel Noted in Crains, "Jury Slams CUNY Exec for $500k"

Media Source: Crains New York Business

A jury has awarded a $500,000 judgment to a former administrator at City University of New York in a sex-discrimination suit.

Dixie Norris, a former vice president of finance and administration, brought the suit against CUNY and Russell Hotzler, president of New York City College of Technology. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission supported her charge that Mr. Hotzler discriminated against her by taking away her management duties and giving them to male subordinates. She was fired from the role after complaining to management.

Mr. Hotzler was directed to pay $425,000 in punitive damages. CUNY and Mr. Hotzler have been told to pay an additional $75,000 for pain and suffering. Ms. Norris’ attorneys at Meyer Suozzi English & Klein are seeking further compensation for back-pay and loss of benefits.

Mr. Hotzler’s office declined to comment. The litigation bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s office is representing CUNY in the case and is expected to ask the court to overturn the verdict.

Ms. Norris was hired by former City Tech President Fred Beaufait in the 2001-02 school year. Her tasks in the role included supervising the school’s budget, information services, human resources, public safety, facilities management and auxiliary services. Prior to joining City Tech, she served as vice president of finance at St. Christopher’s Inc., a child welfare agency in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester.

Lois Carter Schlissel of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. are the attorneys handling this case.