CORPUS CHRISTI - A former dean at Del Mar College, Theresa E. Cox, has filed a lawsuit against the school. The suit alleges sexual harassment and retalitation by the president of Del Mar. Cox was the one-time dean of equal opportunity/affirmative action, equity, access and compliance at Del Mar College.
According to a court document obtained by 6 News, Cox claims she investigated a student's sexual harassment complaint against Del Mar President, Dr. Carlos Garcia, in September 2004.
The suit says, "Upon learning the plaintiff (Cox) had taken a statement from the student and intended to follow college procedures for processing the complaint, Dr. Garcia protested."
Ultimately, Cox claims Garcia retaliated, demoted and eventually terminated her when she cooperated with the student's complaint to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington.
Cox also alleges Dr. Garcia "made numerous unwelcome advances and inappropriate personal remarks..." to her, other female employees and students. Cox was not available for comment when 6 News called and stopped by her Padre Island home.
Del Mar's in-house counsel, Mike Westergren, declined an on-camera interview but said Garcia "absolutely denies the allegations." He described the incident as "most unfortunate."
Westergren said he's worked with both Cox and Garcia and never saw a sign of inappropriate behavior. And as a former judge, he said he would have taken action if he did see something wrong.
According to Westergren, the matter is "still being handled internally." Cox is seeking compensation, and she wants her job back. The basis of her lawsuit is that Del Mar was in violation of the Texas Whistleblower Act. If the case goes to trial, it will be a jury in Travis County, that's Austin, not Nueces County, hearing the case.
Del Mar officials said they hope to resolve the matter before it goes that far.
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Posted by Jaime Kenedeño to Del Mar Electronic Anonymous Input Forum at 8/15/2006 07:47:00 PM
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Kenedeno & Associates
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