ADRIAN — A former top official at Siena Heights University has filed a federal retaliation lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleging wrongful termination, defamation, and civil rights violations. According to court documents, the complaint was filed on April 8.
According to court filings, Debi Andrews was hired in February 2024 as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business Affairs. She claims she was removed from her role just six months later after raising concerns about financial misconduct and gender-based discrimination.
Andrews alleges she was retaliated against after refusing to approve an unbudgeted $100,000 hiring request and urging a colleague to file a Title IX complaint against University President Douglas Palmer. The lawsuit claims Palmer pressured female staff to meet him at a local cigar bar and acted punitively when invitations were declined.
The lawsuit also accuses former Human Resources Director Fran Johnson of defamation, claiming Johnson falsely spread rumors that Andrews was having an affair with a colleague. Andrews says these claims were used to justify her firing and that she was never given access to the investigation’s findings.
The complaint includes four legal counts and seeks economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
A jury trial has been requested. Andrews is also pursuing a separate claim through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title VII. Siena Heights University has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
Wanting to make sure we are clear, this case has been settled.