A seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in occupational therapy has filed a lawsuit against a prominent Texas university, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. Jyothi Gupta initiated the legal action on November 17, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, targeting the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and several of its high-ranking officials.
The complaint outlines Gupta’s extensive career as a tenured faculty member and her role as Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at UTMB since November 2022. Her tenure was abruptly cut short in March 2025 when she was informed that her position was being terminated due to fiscal exigency. Gupta contends that this reason is a pretext for discrimination based on her age and national origin. At 70 years old and originally from India, Gupta argues that her dismissal violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). “The termination… without due process despite her tenure… were all adverse employment actions taken because of Dr. Gupta’s protected class,” states the complaint.
Gupta claims that despite receiving strong performance evaluations, she was not given an opportunity to transition back to a faculty role, even though there were open positions within her department. She asserts that UTMB’s actions were discriminatory and violated her rights under both federal law and university policy regarding tenured faculty. The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief including reinstatement to her position as a tenured professor, compensatory damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and attorney fees.
Represented by attorneys Frank Hill and Stefanie M. Klein from Hill Gilstrap P.C., Gupta’s case highlights significant allegations against UTMB’s administration including President Dr. Jochen Reiser, Interim Provost Dr. Susan Chubinskaya, Interim Dean Dr. Melinda Sheffield-Moore, and Interim Chair Dr. Eddie Salazar—all named defendants in their official capacities.
The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:25-cv-00376 with proceedings set to unfold under the scrutiny of federal jurisdiction given its implications on employment law standards within academic institutions.
Source: 325cv00376_Jyothi_Gupta_v_Univeristy_of_Texas_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Texas.pdf
