University of Phoenix settles discrimination suit

PHOENIX — Non-Mormon employees who claimed discrimination by the University of Phoenix have reached a settlement of almost $2 million, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced.

A total of 52 individuals will share a total settlement of $1,875,000 that will be paid by the university, the nation’s largest private university. Witnesses testified that managers in the university’s Online Enrollment Department discriminated against non-Mormon employees by favoring Mormon employees in promotions, disciplinary matters and distribution of tuition waivers.

“We are pleased that the University of Phoenix is going to stop condoning such favoritism toward Mormon employees and the resultant discrimination against non-Mormon employees,” said EEOC Phoenix Regional Attorney Mary Jo O’Neill.