Christian Head, MD, a head and neck surgeon within UCLA Health System, has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the Regents of the University of California after he was allegedly publicly humiliated at an event several years ago, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Dr. Head claims a slideshow created by residents, and typically reviewed by UCLA staff, featured a derogatory image in which the physician's face was pasted onto that of a gorilla participating in a sex act with a department chairman. The slideshow was part of a "roast" event typically held, but Dr. Head said the content was "extremely mean-spirited and extremely racist," according to the report.
Dr. Head has filed a 40-page complaint, complaining UCLA failed to prevent discrimination, harassment and retaliation. He also names other physicians within the system, including the chairman of the department of head and neck surgery, for denying him teaching and other opportunities.
A university spokesperson has said UCLA "investigated this matter and found that the evidence does not substantiate the claims of unlawful activity," according to the report.
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Dr. Head claims a slideshow created by residents, and typically reviewed by UCLA staff, featured a derogatory image in which the physician's face was pasted onto that of a gorilla participating in a sex act with a department chairman. The slideshow was part of a "roast" event typically held, but Dr. Head said the content was "extremely mean-spirited and extremely racist," according to the report.
Dr. Head has filed a 40-page complaint, complaining UCLA failed to prevent discrimination, harassment and retaliation. He also names other physicians within the system, including the chairman of the department of head and neck surgery, for denying him teaching and other opportunities.
A university spokesperson has said UCLA "investigated this matter and found that the evidence does not substantiate the claims of unlawful activity," according to the report.
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