Doctor alleges Drexel University retaliated against her for reporting gender discrimination and invited attendees to trial via Evites.
Former Drexel University medical school professor Sharon Griswold has prepared for a pivotal moment in her civil rights discrimination case against Drexel’s College of Medicine. On July 28, 2024, Griswold will open her trial at the James A. Bryne U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia, inviting fellow female doctors from Philadelphia and beyond to attend and show solidarity. The invitation, which features a cheerful photo surrounded by confetti, marks the start of a significant legal battle that has drawn attention to issues of gender discrimination in the medical field.
Griswold initiated her lawsuit against Drexel in 2022, alleging that she was subjected to a hostile work environment characterized by gender discrimination. Describing the university’s leadership as a “boys’ club,” her lawsuit claims that her efforts to speak out against discriminatory practices resulted in retaliation, including being ordered to “get over it.” She was the first full-time female professor in the emergency medicine department when hired in 2007, and has stated that her numerous complaints about the male-dominated leadership went unaddressed.
In response to the allegations, Drexel University has firmly denied any wrongdoing. Court filings indicate that the institution addressed Griswold’s complaints seriously and promoted her several times during her tenure. However, the university also cites the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital in 2019 as a primary reason for her eventual layoffs, stating she was part of a broader reduction affecting hundreds of staff members.
In a ruling from March 2024, a federal judge dismissed Griswold’s claim that her termination was solely due to her gender. Nonetheless, the court found sufficient evidence for a jury to determine whether Drexel retaliated against her for raising concerns about sex discrimination, potentially violating various antidiscrimination laws.
As the trial approaches, Griswold—now a professor at Penn State Health and the director of global medical affairs at Merck—emphasizes the importance of her case for women in medicine. The medical field, particularly emergency medicine, has been criticized for its gender disparities. Despite women making up nearly half of all medical students, only 27% of academic emergency medicine doctors are female, facing significant pay inequities and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
The support for Griswold has grown, with many female doctors indicating plans to attend the trial, demonstrating a collective effort to confront discrimination in a predominantly male field. A Facebook post shared with members of the Philly Physician Moms Group has garnered numerous supportive comments, emphasizing the need for solidarity among women in medicine.
In recent interactions, medical professionals including those who studied under Griswold have expressed admiration for her courage and tenacity. The trial promises to shed light on the broader challenges women face in the medical profession, making it a pivotal event not just for Griswold, but for many who have faced similar struggles. The proceedings, anticipated to last through the week, will be closely monitored by advocates for gender equity in the medical field.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Drexel and the ongoing conversation regarding gender equality in medicine. With opening arguments set for Monday morning, both Griswold and Drexel are preparing for a legal battle that will address the critical issue of discrimination within academic medical institutions.
