Former College of the Desert VP Files Gender Discrimination Complaint

A former interim vice president at College of the Desert has filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging gender discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.

Misty Burruel, who resigned in April before the end of her contract, claims she was systematically excluded from key administrative decisions and had responsibilities reassigned without her input. Her complaint points to a broader pattern within the college’s leadership.

The filing also connects the resignations of other senior female administrators to alleged actions by the college’s acting superintendent and the board chair, suggesting a trend of unequal treatment and workplace dysfunction at the executive level.

With the administrative complaint now on record, Burruel could soon escalate the case to a formal lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court.

The college has not publicly responded to the allegations, and it remains to be seen whether internal investigations or additional resignations will follow.

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