Breuder complains to state about COD reneging on his respite

In another twist in the ongoing saga of College of DuPage, its former leader has filed a complaint with state human rights regulators, claiming he was wrongfully denied respite leave.

The Glen Ellyn-based college's board of directors fired Robert Breuder as president in October after months of friction and controversy over a $762,868 separation agreement.

Amid a power shift on COD's board, Breuder took sick leave in April. He also sought 12 days of paid respite and renewal time off that college human resource administrators granted.

COD Chairwoman Kathy Hamilton denied the respite leave in July, giving no explanation, a complaint by Breuder to the Illinois Department of Human Rights states.

The college had no comment, a spokesman said Saturday.

Breuder said he suffers from a medical condition and that COD discriminated against him when his respite leave was rejected. Breuder's contract allows him up to 12 days for respite and renewal in the summer, but it requires approval from the board chairman on or before April 30.

State investigators are reviewing the case to see if there is sufficient evidence to bring it before the Human Rights Commission, spokesman Michael Theodore said.

The DuPage County state's attorney's office is investigating charges of misspending by college administrators during Breuder's tenure. He has denied any wrongdoing.