Faculty sues College of Saint Rose over December 2020 layoffs

ALBANY – Four professors are suing the College of Saint Rose in Albany, trying to get their jobs back.

They were among more than 30 faculty members who were fired last December.

At the time, the college said it was eliminating two-dozen degree programs to save $6 million.

In their lawsuit, the professors say the school saved the jobs of younger faculty members, and did not follow its contractual obligations.

A college spokesperson tells NewsChannel 13 the layoffs were in compliance with the faculty manual, and the administration looks forward to presenting its case in court.

The college released this statement:

"For a century, The College of Saint Rose has focused on developing our students as learners and shaping their future as citizens. Our goal is to ensure that the College will continue this work for the next 100 years.

Toward that end, in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the College took necessary steps to move the College into a position of financial stability. After reducing the administrative budget, and implementing other cost reductions, the College made certain academic program reductions which resulted in faculty layoffs. The process used was in compliance with the Faculty Manual and involved collaboration with faculty representatives. The loss of treasured academic programs and valued faculty members is profoundly painful and an acknowledged loss to the College and community.

We look forward to presenting in court our defense of the litigation brought by four laid off faculty members. We are grateful for the support of the Capital Region, which understands the important role Saint Rose has played for a century in shaping the future of our students and the positive impact our graduates make on their communities."