MSU settles discrimination suit against West Plains chancellor

Missouri State University this month settled for $99,000 a lawsuit filed two years ago against the university and its West Plains chancellor.

The suit filed by Amanda Niemotka, who worked as an events planner on the West Plains campus, alleged gender discrimination, as well as assault and battery by West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. Niemotka alleged Bennett acted inappropriately toward her in a way that was hostile and "sexual in nature." One time, she alleged, he grabbed her by the arm and she feared he might push her down the stairs.

In the settlement agreement, MSU denied any wrongdoing and described the suit as "completely without merit."

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