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November 29, 2009

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Fired UNLV professor files bias suit

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A former UNLV professor has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the university, which terminated his employment after five years.

Hailu Abatena, 57, said his termination in May 1995 came just months before he would have been eligible to apply for tenure, and reap the security benefits that would result.

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Richard Segerbloom, alleges race, age and national origin discrimination by UNLV's social work school against the black Ethiopian.

Abatena claims he received satisfactory evaluations but despite that, he was notified in March 1995 that his contract was not going to be renewed.

The Henderson man contended that he was treated differently than other associate professors who were retained despite lower evaluations.

Abatena stated that he is the only Ethiopian and one of only two blacks in the social work department.

The lawsuit seeks reinstatement to a tenured position with back pay and seniority.

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