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Two top-level administrators are suing Montclair State University for allegedly failing to protect them from a sexist, retaliatory work environment created by their recently-hired boss.
The lawsuit was filed this week by Summer Jones, 49, and Donna Sadlon, 61 — both associate vice presidents in separate departments at Montclair State. They are accusing David Chun, the university’s chief information officer, of discrimination.
Jones and Sadlon claim Chun, who was hired less than a year ago, refused to communicate with them, was abusive when he did, undermined their authority and repeatedly favored male subordinates.
After they reported the alleged discrimination to human resources, Chun retaliated by demoting and stripping them of responsibilities, according to the lawsuit.
“Montclair State University knowingly allowed its female executives to be abused, humiliated, ignored, marginalized and effectively demoted in order to protect a newly hired male,” said Nancy Erika Smith, an attorney representing the women. “Even after repeated complaints, MSU not only failed to act, but enabled retaliation against these women.”
In an emailed statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Montclair State University said they had not officially been served with the complaint but “strongly dispute the claims and characterizations” and plan to “vigorously defend against them.”
“Montclair State University is committed to maintaining a workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. We maintain strict policies that prohibit discrimination and comply fully with all applicable laws,” the statement said.
“We remain dedicated to providing a positive and respectful work environment for all employees, and are confident the facts will demonstrate the University operated consistently with its commitments and legal requirements,” university officials added.
Chun was hired in April 2024 and previously served as chief information officer at other universities, including Sonoma State University in California.
Since beginning his role at Montclair, at least four high-ranking female employees have filed discrimination complaints against Chun, according to the lawsuit.
Jones has worked for Montclair State for nearly 19 years and was promoted to associate vice president of technical support services more than two years ago. She directly reports to Chun in her role, according to the lawsuit.
Jones was also part of the hiring committee that interviewed Chun. The hiring committee did not select Chun as their first choice for the job, but Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell chose to hire him, according to the lawsuit.
Jones first reported Chun’s alleged behavior to human resources last year, saying he repeatedly ignored her emails and forwarded them to male colleagues, who were subordinate to her.
However, her complaints were dismissed, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also alleges Chun promoted people in Jones' department without consulting her first. He also removed multiple positions from her team, diminishing her role.
In September, Chun provided raises to members of his department, including subordinates to Jones and Sadlon. While most female workers received only a 2% increase, some male workers and directors in Chun’s group received a 6% increase, according to court documents.
A formal discrimination complaint against Chun was filed by Jones in August, but no action has been taken, according to the lawsuit.
Sadlon, the other executive filing a lawsuit, has worked for Montclair State for nine years and is currently the university’s associate vice president for IT strategy.
When a position opened up that Sadlon was qualified for, Chun chose to promote a less-qualified male employee, according to the lawsuit. Chun allegedly made a comment that Sadlon could not be promoted to the position because she was “too emotional.”
She also alleges that Chun dismissed and publicly embarrassed her during meetings, according to the complaint.
In May, Sadlon told administration about Chun’s alleged gender discrimination, and he retaliated against her by excluding her from assignments, new projects and decision-making, she claims.
The following month, she filed a written complaint alleging she was subject to a hostile work environment and said she planned to resign because of it.
Instead, she was offered the option to work fully remotely to avoid interacting with Chun, according to the lawsuit. Sadlon rejected the offer, saying she had done nothing wrong and would not accept the reduction of her responsibilities as if she were the problem.
Both Jones and Sadlon allege that administration — including the university’s president and chief operating officer, human resources and legal departments — were complicit and failed to protect them from abuse and sexism, according to the complaint. The lawsuit also claims the university did not conduct a timely or meaningful investigation into the discrimination claims.
“This lawsuit is about more than just two women,” said Smith, the attorney representing the women. “It’s about making sure that no woman at Montclair State is forced to endure this kind of discrimination and retaliation again.”
Jones and Sadlon are seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and violations of discrimination laws.
Montclair State University said it will not comment further on the pending lawsuit.
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