Appeals court overrules decision in Lincoln University case

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri appeals court on Tuesday overruled a decision that sided with Lincoln University in a discrimination lawsuit. 

Jim Marcantonio -- a former university employee -- sued LU, claiming it created a "hostile work environment."

In the lawsuit from 2019, 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.

Marcantonio was employed from Oct. 2, 2008-Oct. 31, 2018, as the human resources director, according court documents in previous reporting. Marcantonio claimed the university also designated him as Title IX coordinator in 2009 and he received no additional compensation for serving in that capacity.

In March, a circuit court ruled in favor of LU.  The appeals court overruled the decision, saying Marcantonio presented sufficient evidence for his claims.

The appeals court also says that the judge was wrong to exclude some evidence, including alleged statements by one administrator.  The case now goes back to the lower courts.