By Paula Pyzik Scott
A settlement was filed in the Hardin County Common Pleas Court on Friday, March 21 in a case between Scott Gerber, plaintiff, vs. Ohio Northern University, et al. Judge Jonathan P. Hein provided a report of pre-trial conference and Notice of Agreed Settlement.
Gerber was removed from his teaching position at the Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law in Spring 2023. A series of lawsuits have been filed by both Gerber and ONU in the intervening period.
The report says the Court heard a summary of the positions of each party with the plaintiff identifying “procedural defects” in Gerber’s removal and claiming “ breach-of-contract, retaliation, defamation, and false light.” Ohio Northern University asked the court to dismiss “claims based on public policy violations and emotional distress.”
After “extensive discussions” the parties negotiated a resolution, which they have agreed to not discuss in public. The report notes “settlement is not an admission of fault by any party as to any claim.”
Settlement terms include the simultaneous reinstatement of Gerber to his former position and faculty rank and his delivery of a retirement letter ending his employment. Gerber agrees not to continue to pursue complaints, litigation or court actions against ONU and associated individuals. Both parties agree to not disparage the other publicly or privately. And Gerber agrees not to publish or distribute a memoir currently titled “Cancelled.”
