A University of Hawai‘i professor whose research took him to arctic oceans despite his paralysis says he was the victim of false accusations involving research money and now faces the possibility of being fired.
Richard L. Radtke, a UH researcher since 1982, filed a lawsuit in Circuit Court this week accusing Kevin Erickson-Velez of intentional infliction of emotional distress in making the allegations that Radtke said led to disciplinary actions, "including imminent termination."
Erickson-Velez was employed through the university’s research corporation as an administrative office assistant under Radtke’s supervision, but no longer works there, officials said. Erickson-Velez could not be reached for comment. The suit, which does not name the university, seeks unspecified damages.
Radtke, 47, is a research professor with UH’s Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, according to court papers. Despite "substantial impairment" from multiple sclerosis and quadriplegia, the suit said, Radtke has written dozens of scientific articles and abstracts and has journeyed to Antarctica, Norway, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Greenland to conduct research.
Erickson-Velez fabricated the allegations, the suit alleges, because of complaints made by Radtke and others about Erickson-Velez’ job performance. Kathy Cutshaw, director of administration for the ocean and earth science school, said she had not seen the lawsuit. She declined to comment about Erickson-Velez’ departure or Radtke’s status.
