Jury Finds for University of Florida in Hiring Discrimination Suit

The University of Florida has prevailed in a lawsuit brought by a former faculty member.

In the 2013 lawsuit Dana Peterson claimed he was denied a promotion to a director’s position because it was given to a “less-qualified” candidate who was selected because she’s a black female.

The Gainesville Sun reports a federal court jury found that Bernard Mair, a former associate provost for undergraduate affairs intentionally prevented, Peterson was being selected as director for the Office of Academic Support. But jurors said Peterson failed to show Mair’s decision was motivated by race.

In a statement released after the verdict, officials said the university has a strong anti-discrimination policy.

Peterson sought an estimated $450,000 for the pay he says he missed out on because he was denied a promotion.