Harvard librarian sues university claiming race & gender discrimination

Jet, Nov 3, 2003

A Harvard University library worker at the Design School's Frances Loeb Library in Cambridge, MA, has filed a suit against the university claiming race and gender bias.

Desiree Goodwin, a 39-year-old Cornell graduate with two master's degrees, claims in her lawsuit filed in Middlesex Superior Court that less experienced and less qualified White men and women were promoted instead of her. She also alleges that her female supervisor saw her work attire as being "too sexy."

"When my boss commented that I was 'too sexy,' I was shocked," Goodwin tells JET. "It was said in the context of saying that I had no future at Harvard and that other librarians would not hire me and did not respect me."

Goodwin, who is responsible for circulation and reference, has worked at Harvard for nine years. She says she is suing because, "I would like to advance in my career or get a settlement that will enable me to start another career."

Goodwin's claims have already been dismissed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), which found no proof of racial or gender stereotyping.

Richard D. Clarey, Goodwin's lawyer, said the dismissal was unfair based on procedural issues and interference by Harvard officials.