Fariba Moeinpour, an Iranian-born research scientist, won a federal discrimination lawsuit against the University of Alabama at Birmingham, alleging she had been harassed by a co-worker for nine years due to her ethnicity. She was awarded over $3.8 million in damages, with UAB and the co-worker, Mary Jo Cagle, ordered to pay for their roles in the harassment. Moeinpour said she had been called terrible names and faced escalating abuse by Cagle, who even pulled a gun on her, making her life unbearable. Despite repeated complaints to human resources and supervisors, including Cagle’s supervisor, Clinton Grubbs, minimal action was taken to address the situation. Grubbs allegedly called campus police on Moeinpour when she sought help and even physically assaulted her during an argument. Moeinpour was fired by UAB after the incident, despite alleging that she was the victim of violence and harassment. The defense attempted to portray Moeinpour as the aggressor in the altercation with Grubbs, claiming they had a past romantic relationship, which she denied. Moeinpour’s daughter, a lawyer, supported her throughout the legal battle. Moeinpour expressed relief at the verdict and her plans to rebuild her life in Birmingham, reaffirming her love for America but condemning the un-American treatment she faced.
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Iranian scientist wins $3.8 million in lawsuit against University of Alabama at Birmingham
