The Queensland University of Technology did not inform three students of a racial discrimination complaint against them for 14 months because it hoped to resolve the matter on their behalf, despite being unable to represent them.

Three former QUT students are being sued alongside the university under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act over a string of Facebook posts about a computer lab that had been reserved for the use of indigenous students.

QUT has been criticised for its handling of the case. Credit:Glenn Hunt

Cindy Prior, an administration officer at the university's Oodgeroo unit, has not worked since the May 2013 incident and is seeking $250,000 in damages and lost wages, plus future economic losses.

She complained to the Australian Human Rights Commission in May 2014, but the students weren't told until July 28, 2015, days before a final conference on the matter, which ultimately paved the way for the current Federal Court case.