The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is embroiled in a legal battle over alleged racial hiring quotas, sparked by the termination of former professor Stephen Kleinschmit in August 2023. Kleinschmit, a clinical associate professor in UIC’s Department of Public Policy, Management and Analytics (PPMA), claims he was fired for speaking out against discriminatory practices within the university’s recruitment programs.
Legal firm Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit on Kleinschmit’s behalf, alleging that he faced retaliation for objecting to the allegedly discriminatory nature of UIC’s new “Bridge to Faculty” (B2F) program. The program, designed by the university’s diversity office, aimed to enhance faculty diversity by attracting underrepresented postdoctoral scholars for tenure-track positions.
The lawsuit details how Kleinschmit grew uncomfortable during meetings discussing the racial characteristics of B2F candidates, leading him to believe that the program, along with other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, violated federal nondiscrimination laws. Despite initial hesitation due to fear of repercussions as a non-tenured faculty member, Kleinschmit raised his concerns with colleagues and administrators, expressing worries about the legality of the university’s practices.
Kleinschmit’s objections, voiced over nearly four years, were met with resistance, culminating in his contract termination. UIC cited budget cuts as the reason for non-renewal, but the lawsuit alleges that Kleinschmit’s job duties closely overlapped with a subsequent job posting that encouraged applicants from recognized underrepresented groups, suggesting a discriminatory motive behind his dismissal.
Liberty Justice Center emphasized Kleinschmit’s exemplary performance during his six-year tenure at UIC, noting his early promotion, positive evaluations, and consistent salary increases. The abrupt termination in June 2023 left Kleinschmit unemployed for a year, impacting his ability to secure new employment before the start of the academic year.
The lawsuit seeks to hold UIC accountable for racial discrimination and retaliation, demanding an end to discriminatory hiring practices and financial compensation for Kleinschmit’s losses. Reilly Stephens, Senior Counsel at Liberty Justice Center, condemned UIC’s actions as violations of equal protection under the law, urging the court to intervene.
Kleinschmit, now an instructor at Northwestern University, expressed gratitude for the legal support in challenging what he perceives as institutional corruption and defending his rights. Meanwhile, UIC declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The lawsuit against UIC reflects a broader trend of public universities facing scrutiny for race-based hiring practices, with the University of Colorado Boulder also under recent fire. The issue gained national attention when President Donald Trump initiated a review of DEI policies in educational institutions, highlighting concerns about illegal discrimination and preferences.
As universities navigate the evolving landscape of DEI programs, recent actions, including the closure of DEI offices at Missouri State University and West Virginia University, underscore the contentious nature of diversity initiatives in higher education. The implications of these legal battles resonate far beyond campus boundaries, shaping the future of inclusive practices in academic institutions.
