Wichita — Two sex discrimination complaints have been filed against the president of Newman University, claiming he has refused to hire women for some administrative jobs at the Roman Catholic school.
The complaints against Aidan Dunleavy were filed by Marla Sexson, 37, former dean of admissions, and Tara Morrow, 32, former director of transition programs in student life for the university.
Sexson's complaint said she applied for the vice president of enrollment management job, but was told Dunleavy planned to hire a man. She also said the president told her she should not hire pregnant women.
Morrow, who worked for the university for seven years, alleges that she was told by a university official that Dunleavy wanted a male Catholic in his 40s for the position of dean of students and wanted a man for assistant director of campus activities. She was interested in both of those jobs.
She also said Dunleavy made disparaging remarks about pregnant women in front of several people.
Both of the complainants have two young children, and they said Dunleavy had a problem promoting mothers or young women who could have children in the future.
Mark Dresselhaus, Newman vice president for administration and finance, dismissed the complaints.
"There has been no gender discrimination," he said. "We've heard these accusations and believe they are from former disgruntled employees."
There are women administrators at the university, the vice president for institutional advancement and the assistant vice president for academic and student affairs.
Sexson, who worked at Newman for 12 years, resigned after her duties were reduced, and then filed a second charge of retaliation. Morrow was told her position was eliminated while she was on maternity leave.
"The president has issues with women," Sexson said. "He has issues with women who could get pregnant. ... Keep in mind this is a Catholic university. We promote this."
Dunleavy, who is originally from Ireland, became president in 2000. Faculty members credit Dunleavy with presiding over growing enrollment, streamlining operations and making campus beautification a priority.
In 2002, the Faculty Senate approved a vote of no confidence in Dunleavy that was submitted to the board of directors.
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