Moeinpour vs. Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Alabama et al

Case Background

On September 28, 2021, Plaintiff Fariba Moeinpour filed a Workplace discrimination lawsuit in the Northern District Court of Alabama (Case number: 2:21cv1302). Judge R David Proctor presided over the case.

Cause

Dr. Fariba Moeinpour began her employment at UAB School of Medicine in February 2011 as a research scientist in Dr. Clinton J. Grubbs' laboratory, funded by a federal grant from the National Cancer Institution for cancer prevention research. From the outset, UAB administrator Mary Jo Cagle initiated a sustained campaign of harassment targeting Moeinpour's Middle Eastern heritage and Iranian national origin. Cagle mocked Moeinpour's name, made derogatory comments about her accent, and used racial slurs, including "sand nigger." The harassment escalated to physical intimidation when Cagle stalked Moeinpour in workplace bathrooms, spat at her, and once brandished a pistol at her in the UAB parking deck. Throughout her employment, Moeinpour reported these incidents to both her supervisor, Dr. Grubbs, and HR Director Kelly Mayer. Dr. Grubbs dismissed her complaints, advising her to "focus on work" while expressing fear of retaliation from Cagle, whom he claimed had mafia connections. Mayer also failed to investigate or address the hostile work environment, suggesting instead that Moeinpour seek psychological help. The situation reached a breaking point on February 13, 2020. When Moeinpour informed Dr. Grubbs of her intent to report Cagle's harassment to department leadership, he physically attacked her in his office, grabbing her chin and causing facial lacerations. Although Moeinpour acted in self-defense, UAB police arrested only her, not Dr. Grubbs. Sh