MSD Lawyers Secures $2.4 Million Settlement in Race Discrimination Lawsuit Against San Francisco State University

MSD Lawyers is proud to announce a $2.4 million settlement on behalf of our client in a significant race discrimination case, Vaughn v. The Board of Trustees of the California State University, et al., SFSC Case No. CGC-23-606874. This victory was achieved alongside co-counsel Bernard Alexander of Alexander Morrison + Fehr LLP. Kathleen Moore of MSD Lawyers assisted with the representation. 

The Background of the Case

Mr. Vaughn is a long-tenured Black academic advisor who was employed at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Despite his dedicated service to the university and its students, he was subjected to severe harassment and discrimination on the basis of his race by his supervisor, Karen Rubin.

The hostile work environment included shocking and completely unacceptable behavior. Notably, Ms. Rubin referred to Mr. Vaughn as a “runaway slave” when he was not in the office. Furthermore, Ms. Rubin improperly disciplined Mr. Vaughn based on false accusations concerning his work.

Holding Institutions Accountable

No employee should ever have to endure racist behavior or retaliation in the workplace. This $2.4 million settlement is a major victory for Mr. Vaughn and demonstrates the level of compensation that can be recovered when holding large institutions accountable. It sends a clear message that racial discrimination will not be tolerated in California’s higher education system or any other workplace.

Employers have a strict legal obligation to protect their staff from harassment and take immediate, appropriate corrective action when it occurs. When they fail to provide a safe and equitable environment, they must answer for it. At MSD Lawyers, we provide clear pathways to resolution and remain committed to aggressive advocacy for employees who have been marginalized, mistreated, or wrongfully disciplined.

We are honored to have helped Mr. Vaughn achieve this substantial, result and find justice after enduring such egregious treatment. You can read more about the case here. 

If you or someone you know has experienced racial discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, please do not hesitate to take action. Contact the employment law team at MSD Lawyers today for an immediate case evaluation and to learn more about your workplace rights.