A professor has sued Waynesburg University, claiming he was not hired for permanent employment because he is older and has multiple sclerosis.

Terry Ferek of Greene County sued the university in federal court in Pittsburgh on Jan. 29.

Ferek, through his attorney, Joel S. Sansone, indicated he has worked for the university on and off since 1986. The suit indicated that he started teaching one business class in 1994, and taught the second level class starting in 2001.

After he applied and was not hired for a full-time job teaching business administration courses in 2008, however, Ferek claimed that he was only scheduled to teach one class.

At the time he was 51, the suit stated.

"Plaintiff believes that the full-time position was awarded to an individual who is considerably less qualified and significantly younger than he, and who is not disabled," Sansone wrote.

The suit alleged the university has a pattern of discriminating against employees who are older and who are disabled.

Ferek first filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January 2009.

The EEOC dismissed the complaint in November 2009, and issued a right-to-sue letter.