Immaculata University Denies Discriminating Against An Art Professor

PHILADELPHIA, PA —An attorney representing Immaculata University on Thursday asked a federal judge to rule against an employee who filed a civil rights lawsuit claiming the university discriminated against her because of her age and sex when demoting her from her position as art director.

Diane Grimes, 63, of Medford Lakes, N.J., is seeking $75,000 in damages in the lawsuit filed by Philadelphia lawyer, Jessica Tarapchak. Grimes is on the faculty website listed as a professor of art.

Grimes said in the lawsuit she suffers from physical and mental health issues caused by the university desecrating her office and destruction of her personal belongings after she raised issues of disparate treatment.

Eileen Monaghan Ficaro, a Blue Bell attorney representing the university, countered in a response filed Thursday that the allegations in the lawsuit are denied.

The university denied that Grimes was discriminated against because of her gender, age, or any other basis.

Ficaro asked that the judge rule in favor of the university and also demanded a jury trial in the event the lawsuit is not dismissed.

U.S. District Judge Kai N. Scott scheduled a pretrial conference on Oct. 23.

The lawsuit said Grimes was employed by the university, located in East Whiteland Township, Chester County, since 2005.

According to the lawsuit:

Grimes was chair of the art department until 2007 when it merged with English, literature, communications, and language. Grimes served as director of art programs.

In February 2020, Immaculata stripped her of her title and gave her more responsibility without more pay.

In the summer of 2022, university officials disposed of her personal belongings, research materials, artwork, and more.

An employee called her a “hoarder.” The lawsuit said other offices, particularly men's offices, have clutter and safety hazards. As an example, she said, one faculty member lights candles in his office, posing a fire hazard.

In its response filed Thursday, the university denied that one of its employees called Grimes a hoarder.

Grimes also accused the university of not updating her computer equipment. In addition, Grimes said the university did not provide her with overnight accommodations during bad weather.

In general, Grimes said, she was bullied by staff members.