UNC is seeking to fight a lawsuit filed its by former Learning Specialist Mary Willingham in federal court instead of Wake County District Court.

A hearing today could decide the issue.

WTVD ABC-11 and The Associated Press reported today that UNC-Chapel Hill wants Willingham’s case against the school for allegedly retaliating after she blew the whistle on so-called “paper classes” moved, mostly for the sake of convenience.

The university argues that her case falls under federal law.

In her suit, Willingham says she was demoted, reassigned, and ostracized for speaking publicly about the sham classes, as well as low literacy levels among UNC athletes. She announced her resignation back in April.

Willingham specifically names UNC Chancellor Carol Folt, Provost Jim Dean and ex-Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Bobbi Owen. She’s seeking reinstatement, along with at least $10,000 in damages.

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