In today’s far left academic environment, is it really so hard to believe a university would discriminate against a professor who also serves in the military?

CBS News in Pittsburgh reports.

Professor Claims University Fired Him Over National Guard Duty

PITTSBURGH (AP) – A doctor who worked as a part-time professor at California University of Pennsylvania sued the state-owned school Thursday, saying he was illegally terminated because of time he missed fulfilling his service commitments to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

The lawsuit filed by Dr. Zackary Dawson in Washington County contends the university violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which is meant to safeguard the civilian jobs of people called away for military service.

“A promise has been made to protect the jobs of those who have chosen to honorably serve in this country’s military and this lawsuit is intended to ensure that such promise is kept,” attorney Timothy O’Brien said on Dawson’s behalf.

University spokeswoman Christine Kindl said the school does not comment on litigation.

Dawson, a physical therapist and gerontologist from Canonsburg, began teaching part time at the school in January 2010 and was told in late 2012 he “would be considered for an expanded teaching role, including appointment to a full-time faculty position,” the lawsuit states. At a minimum, Dawson expected to be invited back to teach part time in January 2013, after receiving “exemplary” performance reviews, according to the lawsuit.

An October 2012 evaluation noted Dawson’s peer evaluations “are very positive” and said Dawson “developed an excellent relationship with students” and “does a great job of encouraging student participation,” according to the lawsuit.