In a recent legal battle that has attracted widespread attention, a former English professor at Pennsylvania State University is suing the institution, alleging racial discrimination against him and other white staff members.
He Worked There for 4 Years
Zack De Piero, a 40-year-old assistant professor of English and Composition, served at Penn State-Abington from 2018 to 2022.
The Promotion of Critical Race Theory
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court details De Piero’s claims of differential treatment, biased grading practices, and the promotion of critical race theory within the university.
The College Was Racist
De Piero’s lawsuit asserts that he was compelled to grade Hispanic and Black students differently, citing exercises centered on critical race theory that made white staff members feel “terrible.”
He Had to Teach Students That the English Language Was Racist
Additionally, he alleges that he was required to teach that the English language is inherently racist and embodies white supremacy, contradicting his beliefs as the son of first-generation Italian immigrants.
He Wanted to Treat All Americans Equally
De Piero contends that his family’s experiences of discrimination instilled a lifelong commitment to treating all Americans equally.
He Was Slammed
When De Piero reported his perceived discrimination to university officials, he claimed they retaliated by filing a bullying and harassment complaint against him and lowering his scores on his annual performance review.
He Was Subjected to Attend Antiracist Workshops
The lawsuit further alleges that the director of the Affirmative Action Office made derogatory remarks about the white race, instructing De Piero to attend “antiracist” workshops.
The Workshops Were Also Racist
Some of these workshops, according to court filings, included a presentation titled “white teachers are a problem.”
He Expressed His Thoughts
In an interview, De Piero expressed frustration at feeling inherently flawed due to his white identity.
University’s Imposed ‘Original Sin’ on White Individuals
He described an environment at the university that imposed a sense of original sin on white individuals, compelling them to continually repent for their historical actions.
He Worked With Marginalized Communities
Despite his dedication to working with underprivileged and marginalized communities, De Piero found himself demeaned based on characteristics beyond his control.
The University Had Different Grading Systems for Different Races
The lawsuit also highlights Liliana Naydan, to whom De Piero reported. The court filing claims that Naydan attempted to introduce grading equity measures.
Lawsuit Accuses University of Discrimination
The lawsuit further accuses the university of harboring low expectations for Black and Hispanic students, excusing their academic deficiencies, and discriminating against faculty members, particularly white faculty members.
White Staff Faced Discrimination
One particular discrimination involved former equity officer Alina Wong, who allegedly led a breathing exercise implying that white staff should hold their breath longer than people of color to “feel the pain that George Floyd endured.”
White Teachers Were Labeled White Supremacists
De Piero claims that Naydan instructed writing faculty members to teach that white supremacy exists within the language itself, positing that the English language is inherently racist.
Characterization of Writing Teachers as Racist
This, according to the lawsuit, led to the characterization of writing teachers as racist white supremacists.
Racism Against White People Is Not Racism?
Furthermore, Naydan allegedly endorsed the view that racism against white people is not racism.
The University Pledged for Diversity and Inclusivity
Penn State declined to provide specific remarks on the ongoing litigation.
However, the university has previously affirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and creating an inclusive environment for all members of its community.
New Beginnings
Following his departure from Penn State, De Piero now works as an assistant professor of English at Northampton Community College.
Reaction from Social Media
Several social media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
A Comment on Social Media
One Twitter user wrote, “Wish I was a part of the lawsuit because I’d sue them and become a millionaire. Racism towards whites is most prevalent in college.”
Questioned Amid Allegations
Another user commented, “And, yet, Penn State is supported with taxpayers’ dollars. Why do we allow this?”
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The post “White Teachers are the Problem” – Teacher Sues University for Racial Discrimination and Describes Being White as the “Original Sin” Them first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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