Hedrich v. Board of Regents

Mary Hedrich (the plaintiff) was a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Coaching at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. The plaintiff was denied tenure based on her failure to meet certain scholarship standards and for the plaintiff’s failure to submit relevant documentation for consideration by faculty. Afterwards, the plaintiff was advised that the next academic year would be her last. The plaintiff sought alternative employment in academia, and unsuccessfully applied for seven positions. Subsequently, the plaintiff filed suit against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater (the defendants), arguing that the University deprived her of her liberty interest in her good name and reputation without due process of law. The University removed the case to federal court and moved to dismiss. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the University. Hedrich appealed, arguing that the denial of her tenure deprived her of her liberty interest in seeking the career of her choosing in violation of her due process rights.