Posted on 11/02/2011 8:23:37 AM PDT by surroundedbyblue
A former University of Pittsburgh Spanish professor who speaks the language with a European accent claims in a civil rights lawsuit filed on Tuesday that she lost her job primarily because of her race.
Sarah Williams, address unavailable, is over 40, white and not Hispanic, according to the federal lawsuit. She taught Spanish at Pitt for 14 years and was well regarded at the university until people of Latin American descent who derided her European accent began leading the department, according to the lawsuit. Her performance ratings dropped and she was removed from several faculty positions and committees as well as teaching upper classes, the lawsuit says.
Williams is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as well as either reinstatement or an amount comparable to what she would earn in the future as a Spanish professor at Pitt. University spokesman John Fedele declined comment.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_764961.html
Whoops! I posted before I included the link. Forgive me!
alumnus ping
Another way to phrase that is she speaks Spanish with a Spanish accent.
I was at a meeting once in madrid and they stopped the meeting noting I sounded too much like a mexican.
This is a significant factor. How were the ratings compiled? I'm a college student and am appalled at how lazy teachers become once they've been granted tenure. And tenured teachers aren't always the only ones who become lazy. There might be more to the story.
Perhaps her colleagues feel they are entitled to all of the professorships as rightful reparations for centuries of colonial oppression by white Spaniards.
When I was in the military in “73” There was a a guy who’s family came from Cuba and he was taught Castilian Spanish. He had a hard time understanding the Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.
Indeed - arrogance is not limited to latinoamericanos, in fact it’s usually worse the other way. Sort of like Brits looking down their noses at a Texan’s manner of speech (not that I’d know anything about than, y’unnerstan’...)
I did have a female hispanic judge here in Bexar County refuse to let me translate for my Spanish-speaking client even though I’m fluent (and a 50ish white guy). The hispanic attorneys didn’t have to have the certified interpreter present, just me. So the interpreter and I chatted away in Spanish the entire time, just to make the point (she asked me why she was there, since I didn’t need her help!)
Colonel, USAFR
IF you have already donated, this isn't to you, because you already know that Free Republic needs all regular users and members to donate to help keep our lights on.
If you are a regular user but haven't yet donated, today would be a most opportune time. Our 4th Quarter FReepathon is into November and we'd like to wrap it up ASAP.
Please help keep Free Republic's lights on by making your donation today. Simply Click here!
Thanks very much, everyone!
I can’t remember where I was but I spoke to a lady from Spain once. She was openly and hostilely contemptuous of Mexican/American Spanish.
Look in the mirror sweetie, the word you are looking for is gender, not race.
try being a southern conservative, redheaded, blue eyed white guy who is over 60! Everything that is bad is our fault and the world you grew up in is gone with the new one getting worse each and every day-- In light of that, Bend, I guess it ain't so bad... 
being green nowadays.
I can tell you from hard earned experience that she will win this one. Pitt would be just as well to settle with her.
I once fired an employee for a laundry list of high crimes and misdemeanors (including one that verged on identity theft). She was white and over 40. Her replacement was twenty-something. At the end of the day that was all the Government cared about.
Having no life to speak of, she fought a 2 1/2 year legal battle and eventually won reinstatement with back pay, interest and penalties. Thankfully I was gone by the time she walked back in the door in triumph.
 |
It's a 'Burgh Thing.™ |
 |
|
| Send FReepmail if yunz want on/off BPT list, 'n'at | |
| Learn Pittsburghese! Free Streaming 'Burgh Radio |
|
| The List of Ping Lists | |
Wait. I’m confused.
The teacher spoke Spanish with a “European” accent?
So she spoke with a Spanish accent? I mean Spain is located in Europe. Am I missing something or is my lack of being a politically correct assclown getting in the way?
Is that the same as Castellano?
As in a Spanish accent or as in a German or British or Irish or French or Dutch accent?
It does make a difference.
If it is a Spanish accent then the school is in the wrong. If it is not they may be in the right.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.