JSU and IHL Reach Tentative Settlement in Professor's Lawsuit Over Harassment Allegations

Jackson State University (JSU) and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) have reached a tentative settlement regarding a federal lawsuit filed by Dawn Bishop McLin, a former faculty senate president who was placed on leave pending termination. This development unfolded on June 24, 2025, during a hearing at the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi. The proposed settlement aims to reinstate McLin to her position as a tenured psychology professor at JSU, following allegations of harassment and misconduct that led to her leave last fall. The agreement also seeks to recover approximately $38,000 in research grants and an additional $10,000 in pay for summer courses she was scheduled to teach, totaling around $48,000 that McLin lost as a result of her termination. During the discussions, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate expressed skepticism towards a motion from IHL attorney Pope Mallette to seal the settlement agreement from public view, emphasizing that public funds should remain transparent. Additionally, a faculty panel previously reviewed McLin’s case, recommending her reinstatement based on the lack of written warning regarding her leave. The continued legal actions against IHL and JSU highlight ongoing issues concerning gender discrimination in institutional processes, particularly in presidential searches. This tentative settlement signifies a potential resolution, though it is still under negotiation between legal representatives.