International law firm Clark Hill will defend Slippery Rock University, its president and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in a discrimination lawsuit filed by the former provost.
Mario R. Bordogna and Amy McCrossen joined the defense on Sept. 21. They have studied labor and employment law to help employers handle disputes with employees.
The pair delivered a presentation titled “Everything Employers and HR Need to Know About Conducting Internal Investigations” at the Clark Hill Pittsburgh Labor and Employment Law Conference in October 2019.
On Oct. 13, Plaintiff Abbey Zink amended her lawsuit adding a sixth count: violation of the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law.
The document alleges Zink reported verbal and written “wrongdoing,” which includes violation of federal or state regulations designed to protect public and private interests. She also reported “waste” before her termination, according to the document.
Zink will be represented by James B. Lieber and Jacob M. Simon of Lieber Hammer Huber & Paul, P.C.
Zink filed the lawsuit on Aug. 12, 2022, in the Pennsylvania Western District Court and was assigned to U.S. District Judge W. Scott Hardy.
PASSHE and SRU historically do not comment on personnel matters. Lawyers on both sides could not be reached for comment.
The Rocket will update readers as the story develops. For a timeline of the case, click here.
