White Professor Sues Black University For Racial Discrimination

(Fox5) Jul 26 2019 11:17AM A white professor at a historically black university in Alabama has filed a federal lawsuit against the school for age and racial discrimination after he claims they have denied him the salary he deserves despite his tenure. Marshall Burns a 73-year-old physics professor at Tuskegee University alleges the school pays younger employees at least $18000 to $30000 more than him although his professorship spans over four decades. Burns began his career at Tuskegee University in 1976 as an assistant professor according to court documentsbeing promoted to a full-time position in 1980. The physics professor wrote a physics textbookrecognized by the Alabama state legislature helped found the universitys first physics major and lobbied for additional university funding. Burns claims he earns $60500 a year despite requesting a raise at least 12 times. His alleged salary is at the same pay grade as associate professor salaries while his 12-page lawsuit says teachers of African and Asian descent are earning more than Burns who earned his PhD. in 1972. Im not a greedy person" Burns told the Montgomery Advertiser at a press conference held Tuesday. I applaud people who are successful. Theyve earned it. I think Ive earned it but I havent received it. I have tried and tried and tried everything I know." The suit claims Tuskegee has ungratefully kept Burns at an associate level of pay for his entire academic career" adding that the university has discriminated against the professor because of his age. Julian McPhillips Burns attorney believes this was the last resort to obtain the pay he deserves after talking with the university a year ago according to the station.