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GASTON COLLEGE TO PAY $50,000 TO

WASHINGTON, D.C. A Federal District Court has ordered Gaston College of North Carolina to pay $50,000 in lost income and compensatory damages to an Indian American professor who was discriminated against based on his race and national origin, according to charges announced today by the Department of Justice.

In a discrimination charge filed against the College in February, 1997, Dr. Roshan Attrey alleged that he was not hired for an English Instructor position because of his race (Asian) and national origin (Indian). Attrey was the unanimous choice of a college search committee, but was not selected for the position. The complaint, filed in federal district court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte on September 13, 1999, alleged that the College violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by refusing to hire Attrey for the English Instructor position.

On July 6, 2000, the College served the United States an Offer of Judgment for $50,000 under Rule 68 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The Division filed the Offer and its Acceptance of the Offer in District Court in Charlotte on July 21, 2000. The Court entered judgment against the College on August 11, 2000. The College is now obligated to pay $50,000, representing lost income and compensatory damages for Attrey.

The case was handled by the Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC). Special Counsel John D. Trasviña said, "Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the nation. Like all other Americans, they should have equal opportunities to compete for jobs. Dr. Attrey's coming forward has resulted in the college now taking the appropriate steps to resolve the case."

The Office of Special Counsel was established to ensure all work-authorized individuals--U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike--are not subject to discrimination in the hiring process because of their national origin or citizenship status.

Individuals seeking more information or assistance provided by OSC may call toll-free, or write to:

Office of Special Counsel for Immigration

Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc

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