Angela Bryant, a previously tenured sociology professor at Ohio State University, is fighting to get her job back after resigning during a mental-health crisis, according to a story reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

In January of 2020, Bryant was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Chronicle reported that she was “excused from teaching duties.” In November of 2020, during a manic episode, Bryant emailed the chair (at the time) of the sociology department and resigned. Although Bryant wrote the letter, she has no recollection of writing or emailing it. She learned of the resignation letter—a letter that included expletives—from a social worker who was working with her while she was hospitalized. Bryant's situation was so extreme, in fact, that her parents had emergency guardianship over her.

Fighting for Reinstatement

Bryant's discrimination case went before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, which dismissed the case (in September 2021) on the grounds that she (and her medical providers) had not provided formal medical documentation to the University. Without the proper paperwork and formal documentation of her disability, the University could not be “officially” aware of her circumstances.

The faculty and staff at the University support Bryant's reinstatement, and the University Senate's Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility recommended reinstatement in April 2021. However, the University of Ohio considers her resignation final and will not take her back. In a recent statement, they stated that they are “committed to supporting the health and well-being of our faculty, staff, and students…. the Ohio Civil Rights Commission has affirmed Ohio State's handling of this sensitive employment matter.” At this point, the nation is watching to see how the case concludes.

What You Need to Know

Universities are a unique type of employer, and with that come specialized circumstances. In these situations, having an ally who understands how to work with university and college administrations can be invaluable. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for instance, protects employees from employer discrimination for a disability.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have worked with hundreds students, faculty, and staff at universities across the country, and Attorney Lento and his expert team bring many years of experience and expertise to each case and client with whom they work. Additionally, Attorney Lento and his team have developed strong relationships with many university Offices of General counsel (a school's attorney) as a result of his nationwide student, faculty, and staff defense.

If you need assistance with your employment law, civil rights, or other academic-adjacent situation, Attorney Lento's combination of experience and expertise is the perfect choice. He will help you strategize how to approach the case and will fight for the best possible outcome. Attorney Lento brings his passion for justice to each and every case. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact the office online.