November 14 1994

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Airing doubts over DePaul University's commitment to fundamental Roman Catholic doctrine, a former lecturer is suing the school in federal court, alleging that she was discriminated against because of her religious beliefs. Lynn Boughton, a part-time lecturer for eight years at DePaul University, alleges in her complaint that members of DePaul's Department of Religious Studies are "hostile to individuals who believe in essential teachings of the Roman Catholic Church." She says that because of her adherence to those teachings, she was denied the chance to interview for a full-time position, her course load was reduced, and her contract was not renewed. Responding to claims of anti-Catholic bias at the school, DePaul's president, John Minogue, said, "Members of the DePaul community are dedicated to the deepest roots of Catholicism." According to Boughton's lawyer, the Illinois Department of Human Rights found substantial evidence of discrimination. Boughton is asking that the court "instate" her to the position for which she was denied an interview, award her back pay and benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, and legal fees. DePaul University in Chicago, which has an enrollment of 16,450, was established by the Vincentians, the community founded by Saint Vincent de Paul.