Photo by Will Stone - KJZZ News.

A group of current and former students and staff of GateWay Community College gathered in downtown Phoenix to announce the potential lawsuit.

A group of current and former students and staff from GateWay Community College are threatening to file a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the community college district.

Eighteen women have come forward saying they are victims of a host of discriminatory practices. Most of the plaintiffs are associated with the Maricopa Skill Center’s cosmetology program, which is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. They have retained a lawyer and said the potential lawsuit totals $94 million.

Dana Burns worked in human resources at the Maricopa Skill Center. She said she witnessed many instances of the alleged incidents and was groped herself.

"Today, we break the silence about the racial discrimination, disability discrimination, bullying and intimidation, nepotism, favoritism, tuition fraud and more,” said Burns at a press conference held Wednesday with the other women.

The lawsuit has not been filed yet. A district spokesperson said they have not been notified of the claims and have no comment at this time.

Most of the women are minorities and said they were repeatedly mistreated or passed over because of their race and gender. Other students claimed they were cheated out of financial aid.

The group said it would prefer to settle out of court, but will sue if the district does not cooperate.

EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to Rio Salado College, which is part of the Maricopa County Community College District.