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Roger Ramsammy, the former president of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), has filed a lawsuit against the college, claiming his 2024 termination was unfair and discriminatory. The 61-page lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern New York, accuses HVCC and its board of trustees of breaching his contract and violating his constitutional rights.
Ramsammy, who now resides in Florida, argues that his firing lacked due process, as he was not given adequate notice or a hearing before the college's board of trustees. According to court documents, Ramsammy was unable to present evidence to counter the accusations against him.
The lawsuit follows Ramsammy's administrative leave in May 2024, after a complaint of sexual harassment was filed by a college employee. Ramsammy denies any wrongdoing, asserting that no advances were made during the trip in question, which his wife attended. He also claims that an aggrieved administrator helped spread false allegations against him.
Ramsammy, the first permanent Black president of HVCC, alleges that his termination was influenced by racial discrimination. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages, a name-clearing hearing, and the expungement of records related to the accusations.
HVCC spokesperson Dennis Kennedy stated that the college is aware of the lawsuit and plans to address the allegations in future proceedings. He emphasized that HVCC does not tolerate discrimination. Meanwhile, Ramsammy's attorney, Benjamin W. Hill, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.