VCU involved in $2.5 million harassment lawsuit

A lawsuit seeking $2.5 million in damages against Virginia Commonwealth University is accusing the university of not correctly handling complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

According to the Richmond Free Press, the complaint stems from Emilie Godwin, a VCU psychologist, against VCU clinical psychologist Jeffrey Kreutzer.

According to the suit, Godwin was hired by VCU in 2009 as a staff researcher to an instructor at the medical college. In four years, she rose to assistant professor while building a counseling practice.

In her suit, Godwin claims she faced hostility, discrimination and sexual advances from Kreutzer. Godwin also said VCU officials did nothing when she filed complaints about Kreutzer. Godwin also included names of nine females and two males who left the medical college after experiencing similar problems with Kreutzer.

VCU declined comment to the Commonwealth Times on a pending lawsuit, which was filed in October.

Kreutzer and other parties involved are being served this week. Neither Godwin or Kreutzer could be reached for comment. No trial date has been set for this case.

Mary Lee Clark | Staff Writer

Mary Lee is a senior studying journalism. She currently interns for RVAmag and GayRVA.com, in addition to writing for the CT. She previously worked as a makeup artist at Darkwood Manor, did lighting design at Trackside Theater (where she is now on the Board of Directors) and photographed for the Page News and Courier.
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