Education Dept. Resolves Promotion Lawsuit - filed by African-American employees - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 17, 2000

After nine years, the U.S. Department of Education has resolved a class-action lawsuit filed by some of its African American employees regarding the executive promotion process at the department.

About 1,000 current or former employees sued, contending they were denied promotion opportunities for competitive jobs in more senior positions, particularly those in grades 11 through 15 of the federal civil service. Department officials say they will restructure promotion practices to increase opportunities for advancement and to improve communications. The policy covers posting of vacancies, development of job qualification materials and the selection process itself.

Another part of the agreement includes $4 million to settle the complaints brought by current and former department employees. Some of those who sued also will be eligible for promotions as a result of the new process.

U.S. Education Secretary Richard W. Riley called the resolution "a victory" for department employees and said it would strengthen the promotion process at the federal agency.