Lawanda Pearson is suing Clark-Atlanta University for gender-based discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

In a recent court filing, Lawanda Pearson has lodged a lawsuit against Clark Atlanta University, Inc., alleging gender-based discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The case, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, claims that Pearson faced unequal treatment compared to her male counterparts during her tenure as Sports Information Director and Head Softball Coach. She alleges that Dr. Jerel Drew, Director of Athletics, discriminated against her by cutting budgets for women’s sports and excluding her from professional opportunities while favoring male staff members. Despite raising these issues with Human Resources, Pearson contends she was retaliated against and ultimately terminated without cause. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other harms.