Ex-Utah Tech President Sued for Retaliatory Display; Plaintiffs Cite Hostile Work Environment
- StewartWood Injury Lawyers
Categories: hostile work environment , Lawsuit , Richard Biff Williams , Utah Tech , workplace harassment
Former Utah Tech University President Richard "Biff" Williams faces a lawsuit from three employees alleging harassment and retaliation over a crude, sexually suggestive display he allegedly orchestrated in September 2021. The plaintiffs, two women and one man from Utah Tech's Title IX office, claim Williams left a display made of vegetables on an administrator's porch with a note falsely attributing it to them. The act followed the administrator's medical procedure and allegedly created a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit accuses Williams and Utah Tech of mishandling complaints, fostering workplace harassment, and failing to investigate adequately. After Williams resigned as president in January 2024, the university reportedly dismissed the employees' claims. Now president of Missouri State University, Williams apologized for the incident in an email to MSU students, describing it as a "mistake" and expressing regret for the controversy.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for emotional distress, humiliation, and retaliation, arguing that the university's actions violated their rights and professional standing.