JSU hired El-Bawab in 2005 as an associate professor of computer engineering, according to the decision. His first promotion application in 2009 was denied for being premature.
In 2010, he applied for promotion to full professor with tenure, and his grant productivity was criticized at various levels of the review process. During the lengthy review process, El-Bawab filed an internal university grievance and emailed the campus president complaining of discriminatory treatment.
JSU granted him tenure without a promotion in 2011.
El-Bawab’s lawsuit alleged violations of Sections 1981 and 1983, denial of equal protection under the Mississippi and U.S. constitutions, and discriminatory and retaliatory treatment under Title VII.
