A former University of Texas at Austin police chief filed a lawsuit in state court in Travis County alleging the university fired her because of her gender and removed other women from the police department.
The complaint names the University of Texas at Austin as a defendant and claims violations of state and federal laws prohibiting sex-based employment discrimination.
The lawsuit states the former chief held the top leadership role in the police department at the time of her termination. It alleges university officials targeted her and other women for removal while treating male employees in comparable roles more favorably.
The complaint describes her dismissal as part of a pattern of personnel decisions that reduced the number of women in the department. It claims she received positive evaluations during portions of her tenure and met performance expectations.
The lawsuit states the university did not provide a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for her termination. It alleges the decision followed internal discussions about staffing and leadership changes that disproportionately affected female employees.
The complaint claims the former chief lost wages, benefits, and career opportunities as a result. It seeks compensatory damages for lost pay, emotional distress, and harm to professional reputation, as well as punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
The filing requests reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible and asks the court to require the university to adopt policies and training addressing discrimination and equal employment opportunity.
The lawsuit is pending, and the court has not set a trial date. The university has not filed a formal response. The case will proceed through pretrial motions, discovery, and potential hearings under the court’s schedule.
