A former Villanova University law professor has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging her July 2024 dismissal was retaliation for raising racial discrimination concerns involving one of her students.
Stephanie Sena, an anti-poverty fellow and longtime faculty member, taught at Villanova for over 20 years. According to the lawsuit obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the University cited “student complaints” as the reason for her termination.
Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination
Sena’s attorneys contend her firing was tied to a racial discrimination complaint she filed after the school refused to grant a student, Antionna Fuller, financial aid that would have cleared her debt.
“Villanova University looks forward to presenting the actual facts surrounding the Plaintiff’s separation,” the University said in a statement. “The Plaintiff’s lawsuit lacks merit. Villanova does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation, and the allegations are contrary to our policies and core values.”
Sena declined to comment to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Her LinkedIn profile currently redirects to a “404 Error.”
