David Moore, a former graduate student of Kent State University, is suing the university for failing to give him a master’s degree in Exercise, Leisure and Sport Management.

“I, David E. Moore, have filed a complaint with Kent State University departments of Graduate Education and the department of Exercise, Leisure and Sport Management,” stated Moore in a motion filed with the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

David Moore is taking legal action against Kent State in order to force the university to give him a master’s degree, pay for his education and compensate him with a monetary award.

“Education is worth fighting for, and I will just put it in the hands of the justice system, and hopefully we will get a positive outcome,” Moore said.

In his motion, Moore claims staff members in the Department of Exercise, Leisure and Sport Management violated his civil and disability rights.

“I think my age had something to do with it, coming into an environment where I’m even older than the professor,” Moore said. “Maybe it was the way I handled myself or spoke to them that may have been intimidating.”

Moore is a former teacher and coach for Akron Public Schools and went to Fairmont State University in West Virginia for his undergraduate studies. He taught for 25 years in schools across the Akron area.

“I don’t really think the university — or everybody involved — realizes I’m not just a regular student,” Moore said. “I think certain professors and educators use their position to intimidate me, but with me, that’s not going to happen.”

Moore claims his grades were never posted on time, and, because of that, Nancy Barbour, associate dean of Graduate Studies, eventually put him on academic probation.

“I did what was asked of me,” Moore said. “I was given a couple of incompletes and easy things to do. I did what was told to do, but eventually I was not able to receive my grades.”

KSU associate professor Dr. Aaron Mulrooney, Moore’s advisor during the time he attended KSU, wrote in an email any questions concerning the case need to go through the Office of University Counsel.

Carla Wyckoff, communications and events manager for General Counsel, said the office doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

After seeing several lawyers, Moore has narrowed it down to two. He will soon be picking one to represent him in his case.

“Education is something we here in the United States take for granted, and I hope everybody takes it as seriously as I do,” Moore said. “I’m willing to fight for my educational rights.”

Contact Celia Fernandez at [email protected].