Discrimination suit against Edison College ends with $85,000 settlement; school denies wrongdoing

Dr. Vivian Lilly

The Edison State College Board of Trustees approved an $85,000 settlement on Friday, ending a discrimination suit by an applicant to the college’s nursing school.

Dr. Vivian Lilly filed a racial discrimination suit against the college charging that she was denied the position based on race. According to settlement documents, the $85,000 “represents compensations for claimed damages and not wages.”

Even after the settlement, Edison officials maintain they offered Lilly the position and deny allegations of race discrimination.

Mark Lupe, Edison’s attorney, said the settlement was made to save the college expenses related to the cost of litigation.

Edison will pay only $20,000 of the settlement. The rest will be covered by the college’s insurance.

“It makes good sense from a business perspective,” Lupe said.

Lilly and her attorneys were not present at the trustees meeting on Friday.

However, the settlement also requires Edison to alter its organizational structure to promote “equity on its campus.”

The school must keep an “equity officer” to oversee equal employment opportunities on campus.

An independent investigation into employment discrimination claims at Edison is still pending.