WSU Professor Loses Harassment Lawsuit

A veterinary professor at Washington State University has lost a sexual harassment lawsuit in federal court in Spokane.

A jury ruled Tuesday against the harassment claims filed by Katherine M. Byrne against WSU.

“In essence, this sexual harassment and hostile work environment lawsuit has been found to be without merit,” said Lori Lamb, an assistant state attorney general representing WSU.

Byrne contended she had suffered discrimination and retaliation when she was a professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology. She now is a professor of animal science.

Last summer, U.S. District Judge Alan McDonald threw out Byrne’s claims that she had suffered from a hostile work environment and discrimination. The federal jury ruled Tuesday there also was no sexual harassment in the case.

Lamb said WSU officials believe Byrne’s claims were without merit.

, DataTimes