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Former University of Rhode Island Professor Sues School, Alleges Retaliation for Diversity Advocacy

Former University of Rhode Island (URI) professor Dr. Louis Kwame Fosu is suing the school for firing him for challenging the school leadership’s lack of diversity, The Providence Journal reported.

Louis Kwame FosuLouis Kwame Fosu

Fosu – political science professor – was fired in May. He is now suing URI, its board of trustees, outgoing president Dr. David Dooley, former provost Donald DeHayes and Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Some of Fosu’s accusations include that URI violated free speech by retaliating against him for advocating for diversity and justice at the school, that URI violated his due process rights, that URI punished him more harshly than white colleagues and that URI broke contract.

Fosu is requesting that the court order URI to reinstate him as political science professor.

A URI spokeswoman declined to comment on Fosu’s specific claims.

“The University of Rhode Island has reviewed the lawsuit filed by Professor Fosu and is prepared to defend itself and its officials vigorously against his allegations. The university maintains that Professor Fosu’s allegations lack merit. The university will not comment further on the lawsuit and will present the merits of its positions in court,” said Linda Acciardo.

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