Settlement in Discrimination Case at UW-Oshkosh

A former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) staff member at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will receive $265,000 following a lawsuit against the university, citing discrimination issues related to her being white.

Rochelle Hoffman, who was promoted to interim director of the campus’s office of multicultural student services, filed the suit in 2023. It apparently stemmed from claims that the former deputy prime minister of the school, Olga Diaz, was questioned by students about her capability to lead a role designed to support students of color.

Some students reportedly expressed concerns, raising questions like, “Did you really hire a white woman to be the interim supervisor?” Another asked, “Do you feel that white staff can effectively work in spaces meant for people of color?” This kind of questioning, as noted in the documented complaint, hints at a challenging work environment for Hoffman.

After lasting only eight months in her position, she resigned, citing hostile treatment and a lack of support from staff questioning her legitimacy.

Delayed Resolution

In December 2023, Hoffman filed the lawsuit against the university. The settlement reportedly clarifies that the agreement does not indicate any acceptance of liability by the university and aims to avoid further litigation.

In a statement, Hoffman reflected on her experiences as an educator working predominantly with first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. Despite facing what she deemed illegal discrimination as a white woman in the DEI role, she emphasized her commitment to accessible education grounded in data.

Her attorney remarked that they did not pursue this case in opposition to the university’s DEI initiatives, but rather as a response to the illegal discrimination faced by successful employees.

The university has not yet provided a comment on the settlement.