A Chinese American professor has filed a lawsuit against Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Texas, alleging that the institution's business school systematically favored faculty of Indian origin in decisions regarding tenure and promotion. The suit claims that non-Indian candidates, including those of Caucasian and Chinese descent, who met established productivity standards, were denied tenure, while Indian candidates were allegedly advanced. The plaintiff, identified as Dr. Wang, contends he was treated differently by Hemang Desai, a figure central to the allegations, facing higher expectations than his Indian colleagues. The university, in its response, has denied all claims and stated Dr. Wang is not entitled to relief.
The legal challenge points to a pattern of alleged discrimination, citing that among candidates meeting SMU's benchmark of at least four top-tier publications, no non-Indian candidates have received tenure support. This contrasts with alleged favorable treatment for Indian colleagues, such as Sorabh Thomar, who reportedly received a positive mid-career evaluation from an Indian department chair. Dr. Wang’s suit specifies being repeatedly labeled a "bad fit" – an assertion made at least 13 times, according to the legal filing.
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Allegations Extend Beyond Tenure
The lawsuit’s scope extends beyond tenure decisions, detailing accusations of differential treatment in various aspects of academic life. Dr. Wang claims that Indian-origin faculty received more favorable office assignments, departmental evaluations, and professional expectations compared to East Asian colleagues. Specifically, it is alleged that SMU offices were assigned in a manner that favored Indian faculty while isolating East Asian faculty members during a relocation. The university's defense asserts that Dr. Wang is not entitled to any relief and denies the allegations.
Dr. Wang is seeking a jury trial to adjudicate the claims. SMU officials and Dr. Desai have not issued public comments in response to the inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
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Broader Context of University Hiring Practices
This legal action surfaces amid heightened scrutiny of diversity, hiring practices, and discrimination claims within American universities and professional environments. The case has garnered significant attention on various Asian American discussion forums and within the technology industry, where debates surrounding ethnic favoritism, professional networking, and hiring patterns have become increasingly prominent. Critics of such alleged practices argue that favoritism based on ethnicity or national origin undermines merit-based hiring principles and erodes trust within academic institutions.
Recent legal actions involving faculty and students at US universities highlight ongoing tensions:
In a separate matter from January 2026, two Indian students secured a $200,000 settlement from a US university following a lawsuit alleging "food racism." The case brought to light shared experiences of discrimination over food habits among Indians abroad.
In December 2025, the first woman and Asian American police chief at UT Austin filed a discrimination suit, alleging wrongful termination without a stated reason. Her termination occurred shortly after she oversaw the department's response to pro-Palestinian protests.
A March 2025 lawsuit was filed by Nan Zhong against universities in California, alleging racial discrimination in admissions. His son, Stanley Zhong, a prodigious coder who received a job offer from Google at 13, was reportedly rejected by 16 US colleges.
The current lawsuit against SMU, while specific in its allegations, adds to a growing discourse about fairness and equity in academic appointments and institutional practices.
