Alleges unfair removal as chair of department.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: An Indian American research professor Rakesh Kumar is suing the George Washington University (GW) for $8 million after officials allegedly wrongfully removed him as chair of the department of biochemistry and molecular medicine.
Kumar was under investigation for research misconduct, but claims his removal as chair was in violation of processes laid out in the faculty code, the governing document for GW professors, according to a complaint filed in D.C. Superior Court on January 23, reported the student newspaper of the university The GW Hatchet.
Kumar also alleges that the investigation prevented him from obtaining a new job outside of GW. He alleges that because he was a tenured professor, he had certain rights listed in the faculty code that should have prevented him from being removed as chair on July 23.
In 2012, GW started investigating Kumar’s laboratory after he was accused of research misconduct. During the investigation, confidential information about Kumar’s research was leaked on RetractionWatch.com, a website that tracks mistakes in academic research, according to court documents, said the Hatchet.
Kumar has issued six corrections and one retraction for his molecular cancer research, according to the website.
He is suing GW for allegedly breaching his contract and putting him in a “false light†after invading his privacy. Aside from the $8 million in damages, he also wants GW to pay for his legal fees.
Kumar claims that because of the investigation, he lost more than $2 million in grants, which prevented him from being hired by a “highly prestigious local institution.”
He also alleges that because the University Police Department escorted him out of Ross Hall during a departmental meeting, he suffered mental distress and has not been able to continue working on his cancer research. He is arguing that GW “acted with evil motive†and “actual malice.â€
“Dr. Kumar’s removal by GW Security was very public and humiliating and has irreparably damaged Dr. Kumar’s reputation,†the documents read.
After Kumar was put on administrative leave last May, he was no longer allowed to advise his students who were working toward their Ph.D.s and was replaced by another professor. Kumar had advised one student on her work since 2011, and he claims that losing his role as an adviser was “humiliating, painful and damaging” to his reputation, the hatchet reported.
Because of the misconduct allegations against him, Kumar has not been able to find another research job. He also alleges that GW denied a “promised” raise to him.
Kumar did not respond to requests for comment. His attorney declined to comment.
University spokeswoman Candace Smith said the University does not comment on pending litigation.
“A complaint reflects only one side of a dispute, and now that this dispute has been taken to a court, GW will respond in that forum,†she said in an email, the Hatchet reported.
2 Comments
I think this guy deserve the highest punishment. He abuse the opportunity he has given. He abuse his power terrorized many now it is his time to pay back. $ 300k he already made a fortune he may not care. I was one of the guy got a pink slip as he came to the department as a chair. I have nothing personal but I hate him due to the fact he destroys the beautiful scientific aospjer of GW. As the result I become unemployed. He should be punished.
No mercy for such idiot.
Indians are great at taking over US’ IT business and now academia.