News Summary
Eric Lanning, a former Assistant Director of Debate, has filed a lawsuit against the University of Houston, claiming wrongful termination and retaliation. He alleges that his firing was a direct consequence of his whistleblower activities, which highlighted issues like student safety, discriminatory language, and unpaid reimbursements. Additionally, he is owed over $1,900 in business expenses. Lanning’s case raises critical concerns regarding the management and culture within the university’s debate program.
CITY, STATE – Eric Lanning, former Assistant Director of Debate at the University of Houston, has initiated a civil lawsuit against the university, alleging wrongful termination and retaliation for reporting various serious issues within the debate program.
The lawsuit claims that Lanning’s termination, which occurred on May 27, 2023, was a direct response to his whistleblower activities, including raising concerns about student safety, complaints regarding the use of discriminatory language, and issues related to unpaid reimbursements.
In his lawsuit, Lanning asserts violations of multiple laws, including:
- Texas Whistleblower Act (Gov’t Code ch. 554)
- Title IX Retaliation (20 U.S.C. § 1681)
- Texas Payday Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act (Lab. Code ch. 61; 29 U.S.C. § 216)
- Defamation
- Claims for Declaratory & Injunctive Relief
The accusations in the lawsuit detail troubling incidents during the National Debate Tournament, including an allegation that Coach Sherry Hall drove a student while intoxicated under the direction of Director of Debate Robert Glass. Additionally, Lanning reported that Hall used a transphobic slur towards a competitor and continued to refer to that student using derogatory language.
Another student competitor faced distressing circumstances when his connecting flight was canceled. Instead of being provided with proper accommodations, he was directed by Glass to participate in a debate virtually from the hotel lobby, where he confronted hotel security, who threatened arrest for trespassing.
Lanning asserts that he became aware of this incident through a tournament judge rather than official channels, which raises further concerns about communication and management within the program.
Along with these allegations, the lawsuit highlights a financial dispute, with Lanning claiming he is owed $1,909.91 for unreimbursed business expenses. Reports suggest that the responsibility for submitting receipts for student expenses fell to Glass, but these were allegedly not provided, leading to further complications.
Lanning approached the Honors College Dean, Heidi Appel, and Associate Dean, Jonathon Williamson, on April 11 to report these various incidents. Following those discussions, he was terminated from his position just over a month later.
In the aftermath of Lanning’s termination, discontent has emerged among some members of the UH debate team. Reports indicate that several team members are reluctant to return, expressing dissatisfaction with how the Honors College has addressed the situation.
The Cougar, the university’s student news organization, has made attempts to obtain comments from both the University of Houston and Lanning’s legal representation regarding the lawsuit. However, as of now, no responses have been received from either party.
Lanning’s legal pursuit raises significant questions about the practices and culture within the UH Debate Program and the responsibilities of university officials when faced with allegations of misconduct and discrimination.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Cougar: UH staff member sues for wrongful termination
- The New York Times: UK Trans Rights
- Latin Times: Hidden Message in Disney Park Names
- Google Search: Whistleblower Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Title IX
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HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
