Professor Sues New Mexico Highlands Over DEI Discipline
Biology professor Jesús Antonio Rivas-Molina alleges retaliation and discrimination after he proposed a diversity initiative in 2025.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Human Resources
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Jesús Antonio Rivas-Molina, a biology professor at New Mexico Highlands University, has sued the university in Las Vegas District Court, alleging retaliation and discrimination. He claims the school placed him under investigation and imposed disciplinary sanctions after he recommended a DEI initiative to faculty and administration.
Why it matters
The lawsuit tests how public universities handle disciplinary action against faculty who advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The case also raises questions about the fairness of internal investigations, which Rivas-Molina says did not include witnesses he identified.
Rivas-Molina received two written reprimands and was removed from his department chair role after the university's external investigation. He has requested a 12-person jury, and the court has yet to rule on his request to block enforcement of the sanctions.
The players
New Mexico Highlands University
A public university in Las Vegas, New Mexico, governed by a Board of Regents, which is the defendant in the lawsuit.
Brandon Kempner
The acting provost at New Mexico Highlands University who launched the external investigation into Rivas-Molina.
The details
Rivas-Molina sent a message on March 27, 2025, recommending a DEI initiative to all faculty and administration. Acting Provost Brandon Kempner then launched an external investigation, and the university placed him on administrative leave, later issuing reprimands and a performance-improvement plan. Rivas-Molina alleges the university did not interview witnesses he identified, and he took his complaints to the faculty senate executive committee.
Timeline
March 27, 2025: Rivas-Molina sends the DEI initiative recommendation to faculty and administration.
April 2025: Rivas-Molina learns of the external investigation and emails the faculty association.
August 2025: Rivas-Molina approaches university officials, who allegedly threatened to block his email access.
September 2025: Rivas-Molina receives his first written reprimand.
November 10, 2026: Rivas-Molina files his lawsuit in Las Vegas District Court.
Legal Context
Retaliation claims like this one fall under federal protections established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars employers from punishing workers who oppose discriminatory practices. The case tests how those protections apply when a public university disciplines a faculty member over a diversity proposal.
Faculty members who propose workplace initiatives may face internal investigations and discipline, and the outcome of this case could shape how such complaints are handled. Employees considering a retaliation claim should document complaints and understand the internal grievance channels available to them.
The takeaway
Workplace retaliation claims often hinge on the documented sequence of events between an employee's complaint and any later discipline. Employees who raise concerns should keep dated records of their communications and the responses they receive.
Further reading
For related workplace disputes, see Human Resources coverage in Las Vegas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Court House News Service.
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