News Summary
Todd Hagins, former lead attorney at Winthrop University, has filed a complaint with the EEOC citing racial discrimination and retaliatory dismissal. His complaint adds to an ongoing investigation involving another employee, Amy Bailey, who reported racial slurs by her supervisor. Winthrop University has denied all allegations but faces increasing pressure to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination within the institution’s work environment. The outcome of these complaints could set a precedent for how universities handle similar claims in the future.
Rock Hill, SC – Todd Hagins, the former lead attorney for Winthrop University, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claiming racial discrimination and unlawful conduct by university officials. Hagins lost his position as general counsel in September 2024 after opposing what he described as discriminatory actions and reporting illegal activities to university leadership.
In seeking federal intervention, Hagins emphasizes that his complaint is not an argument against the existence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but rather a charge of protection for blatant racism at the institution. He aims to add his allegations to an ongoing EEOC investigation that started with a separate complaint from current Winthrop employee Amy Bailey, who reported incidents involving her former supervisor.
Amy Bailey’s complaint, filed in November 2024, accuses Tammie Phillips of repeatedly using a racial slur and creating an uncomfortable work environment. Hagins, who claims to have witnessed one of the alleged incidents, states that Bailey faced retaliation following her reports, including a hostile work atmosphere. Consequently, this has put additional scrutiny on Winthrop University’s internal environment regarding race relations and discriminatory practices.
Hagins alleges that his termination followed a request from Winthrop’s president, Edward Serna, to restructure Bailey’s job responsibilities. This restructuring attempt was opposed by Hagins, leading to claims that his dismissal was retaliatory in nature.
Winthrop University has publicly denied all allegations of racism and retaliation, asserting that appropriate measures were taken to investigate incidents as needed. The university has acknowledged receipt of an EEOC charge concerning these matters but has not yet had a formal complaint from Hagins.
Since his termination, Hagins has started his own law firm and previously worked as a federal prosecutor. He was employed by Winthrop University for approximately one and a half years. The university is now facing mounting pressure to address the fallout from these allegations, compelling it to schedule an emergency board of trustees meeting to deliberate on the issues surrounding the complaints.
The allegations emerge amidst broader societal discussions regarding racism and equity, highlighting critical issues within institutional frameworks in the academic environment. As the EEOC investigation unfolds, it could lead to considerable implications for Winthrop University and its governance practices, particularly as conversations about racial justice gain momentum nationwide.
Unfolding demonstrations of solidarity and calls for accountability could amplify the current situation at Winthrop, as stakeholders from various communities keep a close watch on how the university responds not just to this complaint, but to the larger issues of institutional racism and discrimination that persist within higher education.
The outcome of Hagins’ allegations, as well as Bailey’s prior claims and the university’s governance response, may serve as a significant point of reference for other institutions grappling with similar challenges relating to race and workplace equity.
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- Herald Online: Winthrop University Allegations
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- WBTV: Winthrop Trustees Pass Resolution
- The American Conservative: Conservative Life in the Liberal Professoriate
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