News Summary
Winthrop University is grappling with a federal equal employment opportunity complaint filed by former general counsel Todd Hagins. The complaint alleges discrimination and retaliation linked to Hagins’ dismissal after he opposed actions against an employee who reported racism within the university. The situation raises serious questions about the institution’s handling of racial issues and workplace environment. An emergency board meeting is scheduled to discuss the allegations, as stakeholders await clarity on the university’s commitment to addressing these concerns.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Winthrop University is confronting a significant challenge as former general counsel Todd Hagins has filed a federal equal employment opportunity complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging discrimination and retaliation. The complaint was officially lodged on May 1, 2025, and stems from Hagins’ dismissal on September 9, 2024, after he reportedly resisted pressure to retaliate against an employee who raised allegations of blatant racism within the university.
Hagins, who served as Winthrop’s general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees from March 2023 until his termination, claims his firing was a direct result of his opposition to retaliation against Amy Bailey. Bailey, who is still employed at Winthrop, alleged that Tammie Phillips, her supervisor, used a racial slur multiple times during conversations in June 2023 and again in April 2024. According to Bailey, her complaints about the racial slurs led to considerable retaliation from university leadership, creating a hostile work environment.
The complaint outlines that Hagins was dismissed to shield university leadership from accountability for the alleged misconduct. Key figures implicated in the retaliation include Phillips, Lisa Cowart, the university’s vice president for human resources, and university president Edward A. Serna. The actions taken against Bailey, along with Hagins’ termination, raise serious concerns regarding the university’s commitment to addressing issues of racism within its ranks.
In response to these serious allegations, Winthrop University has indicated that it takes accusations of racism and retaliation seriously. A spokesperson for the university expressed that the institution has conducted thorough investigations into the claims made and maintains that they have been addressed appropriately. As part of their efforts to tackle this situation, Winthrop University has scheduled an emergency board meeting on May 6, 2025, to discuss the matter in an “executive session,” although details surrounding the agenda remain unspecified.
Hagins’ background includes extensive legal experience, having previously worked as a federal prosecutor and as the general counsel for the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) prior to joining Winthrop. His qualifications underscore his capability to navigate complex legal issues, raising questions about the process that led to his termination and the subsequent treatment of staff who reported discriminatory behavior.
The situation at Winthrop University reflects ongoing concerns about workplace environments within educational institutions across the country. Incidents of alleged racism and retaliation highlight broader systemic issues that many organizations are grappling with. As the EEOC proceeds with its investigation into Hagins’ complaint, the outcome could have significant implications for Winthrop University’s policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Members of the Winthrop community are closely watching the developments surrounding this complaint, as it may lead to increased scrutiny of the university’s practices and policies. With the scheduled board meeting on the horizon, stakeholders anticipate a clear direction from the university regarding its commitment to fostering a safe and equitable environment for all employees and students alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fits News
- Herald Online
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Winthrop University racism complaint
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racism
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Workplace Discrimination
