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Friday September 9, 2022 vol. CXLVI no. 15
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U. AFFAIRS
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Former employee files lawsuit The PROSPECT against U., alleges religious ‘Not like light from discrimination in COVID-19 dead stars’: Russian, policy exemptions piano, & life leading up to brain surgery
By Ellen Li | Contributing Prospect Writer
THE DAILY PRINCETONIAN STAFF
By Brenden Garza Staff News Writer
A former University budget analyst, Kate McKinley, filed a lawsuit against Princeton on the grounds of religious discrimination on Aug. 16. In the suit, McKinley alleges that University officials harassed and fired her due to her faith-based objections to the University’s COVID-19 policies. McKinley first joined the University in May 2017. The University informed employees in June 2021 that COVID-19 vaccination would be required for continued employment. A month later, McKinley sought and was granted a religious accommodation to the policy, according to a brief she filed with the United States District Court for New Jersey. McKinley then requested additional accommodations to University policy in August 2021, in the hopes of exemptions from mask-wearing, contact tracing, and saliva collection and testing. The University, at the time, required asymptomatic testing by all employees regardless of vaccination status. In early September 2021, the University denied her request. On or about Sept. 10, 2021, McKinley filed a discrimina-
tion complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against the University. On Sept. 16, McKinley was terminated by the University. In response to inquiries from the ‘Prince’ regarding the lawsuit, University Spokesperson Ayana Okoya said that the Princeton “handled this former employee’s accommodation request fairly” and “in accordance with the applicable laws and internal policies.” McKinley has filed her suit with Vlasac & Shmaruk, LLC, which did not respond to multiple requests for comment on her behalf. “We feel our client has a strong case as she was granted religious exemption to the vaccine policy, but denied accommodation for others,” McKinley’s attorney David Cassidy said in an interview with The Princeton Patch. “The University is taking a restrictive view with the policy.” Cassidy also said in the interview with the Patch that the University did not take into account the fact that McKinley worked from home for 18 months. According to the suit, McKinley believes she faced religious discrimination and unlawful
retaliation from the University, citing violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. McKinley claims in the suit that she complained to supervisors and spoke with her employer about the discrimination and harassment she faced, and that the University had “actual or constructive knowledge” of the ongoing discriminatory behavior and harassment. McKinley claims that the University failed to take “prompt and appropriate remedial action” to prevent or ensure that further discrimination and harassment did not take place. McKinley is seeking restitution for “mental anguish and economic damages,” as well as to “compensate Plaintiff for harm to her professional and personal reputation and loss of career fulfillment.” The University “intend[s] to defend the litigation vigorously and expect to vindicate our actions in court,” Okoya told the ‘Prince.’ Brenden Garza is a staff reporter for the ‘Prince.’ He can be reached at bg8077@princeton.edu or on Instagram @brenden.garza
STUDENT LIFE
Largest incoming class in University history welcomed in Opening Exercises, Pre-Rade By Sandeep Mangat associate News Editor
The largest first-year class in Princeton’s history marched through FitzRandolph Gate in the Pre-Rade on Sunday, Sept. 4, marking the beginning of their four years at the University. Opening Exercises for the Class of 2026 were held in front of Nassau Hall, rather than in the University’s Chapel, the event’s site since 1929. First-years paraded through the iconic gate on their way to the seats arranged in front of Nassau Hall in a change to the traditional timeline. In previous years, the class has walked out of the Uni-
versity Chapel after Opening Exercises and then through FitzRandolph Gate during their Pre-Rade. Opening Exercises mark the beginning of the academic year with an address from University President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83, the presentation of several undergraduate awards, and spiritual remarks from a host of different traditions. Eisgruber began his address by citing the historical importance that Opening Exercises has played in welcoming new students, and the opportunity the event provides to “reflect on the larger purposes that should guide our community as we begin another year.” “I’ve always enjoyed the energy
This Week on Campus
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of Opening Exercises and the feelings of renewal and promise that accompany them,” he added. “Our gradual recovery from the long pandemic has heightened that sense of joy.” Eisgruber also remarked on particular lessons that the pandemic has taught him, stating that “our extended experience with social distancing and remoteness has highlighted the value of presence and place in our lives.” “I want to urge you to be fully present in this special and marvelous place,” he said. His appeal for students to actively immerse themselves in See PRE-RADE page 5
“Я люблю тебя.” I love you. The reply pops onto my screen within seconds. “И я тебя.” And I you. I have never been comfortable with the word love. My family never made the casual habit of it, never used it to punctuate a phone call, but in Russian, I have acquired a clumsy assertiveness, a bold naivete only permissible for foreign language beginners. I’m a babbling child again, learning a new emotive world through trial and error. I’ve been practicing with my old piano teacher, Anna, with whom I recently got back in touch. My grandparents enjoy reminding me of the day Anna and I met — my 8-year-old sister had just begun piano lessons, but I, at 4 years old, was
See LIGHT page 12
ELLEN LI / THE DAILY PRINCETONIAN
U. AFFAIRS
All students in Yeh, NCW allowed to move into dorms on schedule after construction uncertainty By Hope Perry Staff News Writer
In an email to The Daily Princetonian, Deputy University Spokesperson Michael Hotchkiss announced that beginning Sept. 3 “at 8 a.m. all sophomores, juniors, and seniors with [New College West] NCW/Yeh assignments can move into their academic year rooms.” Previous communications from the University stated that it was possible that more than 25 percent of NCW and Yeh students would have had temporary housing assignments, primarily in the former First College buildings, if construction remained incomplete after the scheduled move-in
| Princeton Triangle Club Frosh Week Show — Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., McCarter Theatre. In an annual tradition, the Princeton Triangle Club will perform their Frosh Week Show, titled “2SIXY & I Know It” at McCarter Theatre.
SPORTS
considered too young to play. So, like the spoiled brat I was, I bawled in the waiting room until they let me sit next to my sister on the bench. In light of my jealous desperation, Anna invited me to clap along to a few basic rhythms. Giving in to my snotty pleas, she took me on as a student. I was no prodigy. My beginner’s enthusiasm was not paired with the discipline necessary for regular practice. And besides, when asked to play in front of anyone besides Anna or my family, my body would vibrate head to toe with poorly suppressed terror. “Lazy, lazy girl,” Anna’s voice still echoes in my mind. “So talented, so lazy.” As I got busier at school, I got even lazier. I disappointed Anna every dreaded Monday. My
date of Sept. 3. Hotchkiss also clarified that first-years were now allowed to move in Sept. 3 — but could notgain access to their assignments until 9:30 p.m., “to support their attendance at Orientation events throughout the day.” The news came just a day ahead of most students’ return to campus. In the week prior to official move-in, around 20 percent of Yeh and NCW students were living in temporary housing. Hope Perry is the Head Podcast Editor at the ‘Prince’ who has covered USG, US politics, and student activism. She can be reached at hperry@ princeton.edu or on Twitter @hopemperry.
ON CAMPUS | Bill Bradley ’65 Portrait Unveiling — Friday, Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m., Dodds Atrium, Robertson Hall. The Office of the President is hosting a portrait unveiling for alum Bill Bradley ’65, former U.S. Senator and Basketball Hall of Fame honoree.
| Women’s Rugby vs. Army — Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m., Sherrerd Field.
In their home opener and Alumni Appreciation game, women’s rugby is set to play Army.