Former Student Filed Lawsuit Against University of Michigan
A former doctoral student claims discrimination and career interference in a new lawsuit filed in Washtenaw County.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Internships
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On September 14, 2026, Shuying Wang filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan and two professors. The complaint alleges that national origin discrimination and the intentional delay of her graduation caused her to lose a high-paying job offer.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights serious allegations of academic retaliation and the unauthorized use of research contributions. The lawsuit claims that professors stalled the student's progress to maintain labor within their laboratory and benefit a private startup company.
The lawsuit identifies an estimated 60% contribution to early research data and seeks damages for a lost $210,500 compensation package. There are currently 8 separate civil charges filed against the university and two individual professors.
The players
Shuying Wang
She is a former doctoral student at the University of Michigan who specializes in pharmaceutical sciences.
Steven Schwendeman
He is a professor at the University of Michigan who was named in the university's investigation report regarding the delay of a student's graduation.
University of Michigan
This is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that is currently facing litigation over alleged discrimination.
The details
Wang, who enrolled in the pharmaceutical sciences doctoral program in 2020, asserts that her graduation was intentionally delayed to interfere with a California-based biopharma job. An internal investigation by the University of Michigan in September 2025 substantiated discrimination concerns and found it plausible that professor Steven Schwendeman hindered her timely graduation.
Timeline
Shuying Wang entered the doctoral program in 2020.
A job offer was received in March 2025.
The University of Michigan issued an equity investigation report in September 2025.
Wang defended her doctoral dissertation in October 2025.
The lawsuit was filed in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on September 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
This case follows a pattern of litigation involving institutional equity oversight, similar to precedents set by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 regarding discrimination in academic settings. It underscores the ongoing tensions between graduate research labor and the commercialization of university-affiliated startups.
Prospective doctoral students and academic researchers should be aware of how internal equity investigations can influence professional trajectories and potential legal claims. This case highlights the importance of understanding university policies regarding intellectual property and research contributions.
The takeaway
Academic researchers should proactively document their contributions and maintain awareness of university equity resources throughout their tenure. Disputes involving intellectual property and career interference are complex, making the preservation of official communications vital for potential future proceedings.
Further reading
For more on the challenges facing students in competitive professional fields, explore the Internships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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