Weihua Huang v. The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

Weihua Huang sued The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, Bankole A. Johnson and Ming D. Lie claiming that he was fired for telling authorities that his supervisor altered a grand awarded to the researcher by the National Institute of Health. He claimed that Defendant violated the False Claims Act and Whistleblower Protection Act.

Huang applied for and received $378,750 in NIH Funds in 2008 to support his research on the genetics of nicotine addiction and smoking behavior. He claimed that Ming D. Li, a laboratory superior, improperly changed figures relating to work on the project and who worked on it in violation of the grant.

Huang reported the situation of the University and was assured that the changes would be readjusted and any money withdrawn under the changes would be refunded.

Subsequently, he was notified that he contract with the University would not be renewed and was threatened with immediate termination due to his supposed lack of compliance the the notice of nonrenewal. He was eventually placed on administrative leave without pay.

He claimed that the University retaliated against him for exercise his constitutional right of free speech as a prive citizen for speaking out on a matter of public concern.

Plaintiff's verdict for $800,000.00 including $160,000 in back pay and $500,000 in compensation for non-economic damages.