GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Rev. Jay Foster, the former vice president for mission and student affairs at St. Norbert College, filed a defamation suit against a former student who publicly criticized his handling of Title IX issues.
A scheduling conference in the case is set for next week.
In April 2018, students raised concerns about how the college handled Title IX investigations, which relates to sexual discrimination in educational settings.
Fostner was among those criticized, although the lawsuit states he did not “investigate nor adjudicate allegations of sexual misconduct under SNC’s Title IX program.”
However, Fostner claims SNC aluma Margaret Uselman made allegations against Fostner on social media and through television and newspaper coverage — allegations Fostner says are false. Additionally, a college investigation cleared Fostner of any wrongdoing.
Fostner filed suit in December, alleging defamation.
“Because of these statements, Fostner has and continues to suffer damages, including damage to his reputation and good name, psychological and emotional harm, and the loss of employment opportunities,” the lawsuit states. “When she published the Defamatory Statements, Uselman acted at least negligently as to their truth or falsity. Uselman’s defamation of Fostner, and the resulting injury to Fostner, will continue unless enjoined.”
The suit requests compensatory and punitive damages, as well as an order to prohibit Uselman from making such statements in the future.
In a response filed last week, Uselman denied Rev. Fostner’s allegations.
“Defendant’s alleged defamatory statements are true. Defendant’s alleged defamatory statements are substantially true. Defendant’s alleged defamatory statements are opinions. Defendant’s alleged defamatory statements are privileged,” the suit states.
Uselman asks for the case to be dismissed.
