JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY OF GUAM REGARDING EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION VIOLATIONS

US Department of Justice, Jun 30, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - The Justice Department today announced that it has settled an employment discrimination lawsuit filed against the University of Guam. Under today's agreement, the charging parties will share in a total settlement fund of $775,000 and the University will implement new policies against discrimination.

The lawsuit, filed simultaneously with a settlement agreement that must be approved by the United States District Court for the District of Guam, alleged that the University discriminated against eleven former employees on the basis of their race and national origin. The alleged victims of discrimination were Filipino American, African American, American Indian and Caucasian.

The lawsuit specifically alleged that the University retaliated against individuals who complained about the discrimination or otherwise asserted their rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

We are pleased that the parties have worked together to settle this employment discrimination case, said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Ralph F. Boyd, Jr. We believe that the steps the University is taking in this settlement to curb discrimination and retaliation will benefit many.

The University denies the allegations. However, it has worked with the Justice Department to resolve this matter. In addition to monetary relief, the University will implement new policies and procedures against discrimination based on race and national origin, as well as policies to discourage retaliation. The agreement also provides that the University will train its supervisors on the nondiscrimination requirements of Title VII.

The University of Guam is an important and highly influential player in the community, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Guam Leonardo M. Rapadas. This case promotes best practices at the University and takes a positive step in compensating former employees who have filed charges alleging discrimination. It is a result that is good for the University, the affected former employees, and the entire community.

The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Guam jointly handled the matter.