Gender bias alleged at Pennsylvania university

CALIFORNIA, Pa. (AP) — A psychology professor who heads the faculty union at California University of Pennsylvania says the school’s president denied her promotion because of her gender and because she pulled back her hand when he allegedly caressed it.

The university issued a statement Monday on behalf of President Angelo Armenti Jr., denying any wrongdoing and calling Professor Linda Toth’s federal lawsuit and “unfounded attack” on his integrity.

The professor’s complaint says Armenti has repeatedly denied her promotion to full professor despite the recommendation of her department, its chair and a school promotion committee. Toth says female professors are promoted less frequently than men at the state-owned school.

She wants back pay, damages and attorney’s fees.