A former executive at University Hospital in Newark, the state’s only public acute-care facility, filed a discrimination lawsuit on Wednesday, claiming she was illegally forced out out the door three years ago.

Dr. Chris Pernell, 49, who served as the hospital’s diversity and inclusion officer before abruptly leaving in September 2022, charged that she was subjected to sexist and racial discrimination and harassment in what she said was a hostile work environment, as well as the target of a “frivolous sham investigation” after expressing interest in the hospital’s top job.

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