FULLERTON
The North Orange County Community College District has rejected a $3-million defamation claim filed against it by the former president of Fullerton College. Vera Martinez, 58, filed the claim alleging that the district wrongfully fired her from the top college post last July.
Martinez, who served as president for four years, was dismissed after the college’s faculty senate cast a vote of “no confidence” against her. The senate alleged that, among other things, Martinez violated state law by not having faculty share in making decisions and repeatedly violated district policy on hiring.
In her claim, Martinez alleges that she was never given the opportunity to oppose or appeal her dismissal. She contends that the district has damaged her reputation by making “derogatory” comments about her performance, the claim indicated.
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