An Indian-origin professor at the Babson College, Massachusetts, has filed a lawsuit against the institution, accusing it of racial and gender discrimination. As per reports, Lakshmi Balachandra, who served as an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the institute, alleged that she faced a discriminatory work environment that resulted in loss of career opportunities, economic and emotional downfall, as well as reputational damage.
Former Chair of Entrepreneurship Division Accused of Discrimination
Balachandra specifically called out Professor Andrew Corbett, the former chair of the college’s entrepreneurship division, as the “primary direct perpetrator of the discriminatory work environment”. According to her complaint, Boston looked after Balachandra’s teaching assignments, class scheduling, and annual reviews, and restricted her from teaching elective courses. Balachandra alleged that she was only allowed to teach required courses in Entrepreneurship at the school, despite having taught similar courses at the MIT School of Management and Harvard Business School earlier in her career.
Balachandra Denied Career Growth Opportunities
Balachandra further claimed that her career growth was stalled at Babson College, and she was denied higher promotions and opportunities. “Such privileges are routinely given to white male faculty in the entrepreneurship division,” the complaint added. She alleged that the college favours white and male faculty and predominantly reserves awards and privileges for them.
Babson College Responds to Lawsuit
In response to the lawsuit, Babson College stated that it takes such complaints and concerns seriously and has appropriate protocols and resources to look into and resolve these matters. “The college is home to a diverse global community where equity and inclusion are valued and incorporated across every facet of campus, and where discrimination of any kind is not tolerated,” a Babson College spokesperson was quoted saying in the report.
Balachandra Seeks Unspecified Damages
Balachandra, who joined the faculty at Babson College in 2012 and served her duties until 2019, is currently on leave for a fellowship at the National Science Foundation. Her attorney, Monica Shah, has also lodged charges of discrimination with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Balachandra is seeking unspecified damages as per the report.
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