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Attorney: Malcolm X Health Sciences Dean Fired For Blowing Whistle Improperly Stored Cadavers

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A physician who was fired as dean of health sciences at Malcolm X College says he lost his job because he blew the whistle about cadavers that were being stored in un-refrigerated storage lockers.

"It was a very macabre discovery," said Dennis Stefanowicz, the attorney for Dr. Micah Young, who was fired as dean of Malcolm X College health sciences in February.

Stefanowicz said Young was fired because he discovered as many as 12 unidentified cadavers stored in cardboard boxes at Malcolm X and other city colleges, in rooms without refrigeration. He claimed at least some had been there since 2003.

"For a medical professional to find bodies stored the way they were was mind-boggling to him, and he thought if he went through the right channels he would be able to right this wrong," Stefanowicz said. "Instead, he got fired."

Cadaver boxes in James Craig Lab full
Cadavers stored in cardboard boxes found in a closet at Malcolm X College. (Credit: Dennis Stefanowicz)

Dr. Micah Young is suing City Colleges, asking for damages, including wages lost - past and future. He had been dean of health services at Malcolm X since 2012.

A spokeswoman for City Colleges says she will not comment on pending litigation.

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