State Commission Finds Probable Sex Bias In February Firing of a Gund Hall Librarian

An investigation by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) last week determined that there is probably cause to believe Harvard was guilty of sex discrimination in the firing of a librarian in February.

Robin Sing, who was fired from her job at Gund Hall library on February 18, filed a complaint with the MCAD in March, charging that she had been dismissed because of one and a half days of absence she spent looking after her four-year-old child.

Harvard claims that Sing was dismissed because of poor work performance during a probationary period, citing absences, inability of follow work instructions, inaccurate work and "excessive numbers of personal phone calls."

In a letter to Daniel Steiner '54, general counsel to the University, the MCAD concluded there is probably cause to credit Sing's allegations and attached a proposed conciliation agreement, instructing the University to respond within seven days. Margaret S. Rigg, Sing's lawyer, said yesterday she received a copy of the letter on June 3.

"The facts as I know them don't support the charges" of discrimination. Steiner said yesterday. An internal review of the case under normal University grievance procedures--initiated April 21 and concluded May 5--determined Sing's dismissal was due to poor work performance.

Under MCAD procedure, Harvard will now enter into attempts to conciliate with Sing's lawyer and an MCAD lawyer. If Harvard refuses to enter into conciliation or if the two parties fail to reach an agreement, the case will come before an MCAD commissioner for an evidentiary hearing, a procedure similiar to a trial.