2 UW-La Crosse employees file discrimination complaints

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — Two University of Wisconsin-La Crosse employees have filed complaints against the school alleging discrimination and retaliation.

Sandra Sieber, assistant director of the school’s Office of International Education, filed a complaint with the state Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division. It alleges the university retaliated with “extraordinary scrutiny and criticism” when she raised concerns over the February hiring of the department’s new associate director. She said UW-La Crosse didn’t advertise the position or consider her, and instead chose a woman who is married to the man who oversees the department.

The La Crosse Tribune reports university attorneys deny Sieber’s claims and say the office staff supported the hire.

Jay Lokken, the former director of the Office of International Education, filed a similar complaint earlier this month. He said his opposition to the hiring also drew discrimination and retaliation from the university.

The state will investigate both complaints.

Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com