Former HR director sues Lincoln University over alleged racial discrimination

The former Lincoln University human resources director filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming he was discriminated against due to his race.

In the lawsuit, Jim Marcantonio claimed former President Kevin Rome ordered him to hire young, black employees, and did not give white administrators pay raises comparable to what their African-American counterparts received.

Court documents said some discriminatory practices continued on through the next two presidents –interim President Mike Middleton and current President Jerald Woolfolk.

Marcantonio was employed from Oct. 2, 2008, through Oct. 31, 2018, as the human resources director, according to the lawsuit. Marcantonio said the university also designated him as Title IX coordinator in 2009 and he received no additional compensation for serving in that capacity.

ABC 17 News contacted Lincoln University for a statement Friday night. A university spokeswoman said the university does not have a comment on pending litigation.

Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here