S.L. woman files age discrimination lawsuit against Stevens Henager College

SALT LAKE CITY — A 68-year-old former administrator at Stevens Henager College claims the school fired her due to her age and medical condition.

In a federal lawsuit filed this week, Cynthia G. Williams contends the college "retired" her last June and told her it was assembling a "younger crew." The notice came days after Williams broke her pelvis while on vacation and informed her supervisor that she would return to work but might have some difficulty due to the injury, according the lawsuit.

The Salt Lake woman worked at Stevens Henager for 14 years, most recently as the director of admissions. During her tenure, she received pay raises and bonuses, met her sales goals and never received any formal disciplinary action.

According to the suit, the college president expressed concern over Williams' ability to do her job because of the injury, but gave no other reason for her termination. The injury limited her ability to walk and lift things.

"Williams could perform her job duties, but required accommodations," the suit states.

A Stevens Henager official said she had not seen the lawsuit and didn't have a comment on the matter.

Williams filed a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division this past October. She received notice of her right to sue in March, the lawsuit states.

The suit does not seek a specific amount for damages, but says she is entitled to back pay, interest and attorney fees.

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