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September 13, 2005
California NOW Reaction to Summary Judgement in Washington vs. CSU Board of TrusteesThe California National Organization for Women (CA NOW) continues to be outraged at the treatment of Dr. Pat Washington by San Diego State University. It is unconscionable that in this day gender equity for women in higher education is still unattainable for many women, especially those further marginalized because of their race, socio-economic class background, and/or sexuality. Despite meeting all stated requirements for tenure (publications, teaching, service), Dr. Washington was denied tenure in May 2002 and terminated in May 2003. After a 14 month investigation based on information provided by Dr., Washington and the university, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found "reasonable cause" to believe Washington had been denied tenure and fired based on her "race/sex combined and in retaliation for previous complaints." The EEOC urged SDSU to reinstate Washington with tenure, promotion, back pay, and benefits. CANOW believed that once the EEOC handed down their determination Dr. Washington would be re-instated and granted tenue. Sadly, this has not been the case. SDSU has continued its' utter disregard for Dr. Washington and continues to deny her employment. Most recently, San Diego Superior Court Judge Jay Bloom granted SDSU's motion for summary judgment, stating that while evidence may have indicated Washington's senior departmental colleagues did not like her, a "personal grudge or resentment can constitute a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason for an adverse employment decision." CA NOW does not agree with the court and is incensed that the university is being allowed to cover up its' obvious discrimination. Our concerns have only deepened upon learning of the fragile status of Black faculty and students at SDSU (most notably the exodus of 9 Black full-time faculties at the end of the 2002/2003 academic year, which suggests an inhospitable climate for Black men and women at the campus). We must eradicate gender and race discrimination in the tenure and promotion processes within the California State University system and within ALL systems. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to protect state employees who engage in discrimination and retaliation. CANOW is proud to align itself with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), We Advocate Gender Equity (WAGE), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and numerous other feminist academic and social justice organizations that remain steadfast in their support of Dr. Washington. At a recent state board meeting CA NOW Board members voted overwhelmingly to continue to support Dr. Washington in her struggle for justice. It is our understanding that the legal battle can end with SDSU embracing the recommendations of the EEOC and truly (no more sham settlement offers, mediations, etc.) working to correct the egregious errors that have been made in her case. CA NOW exists to safeguard against the very injustices against women that are evident in the Washington case. We fight against discrimination (of all types) and gender inequity; we fight for women who are unable to fight for themselves; and, we fight for women who have not yet entered the system but who hope to be treated fairly and justly. In peace,
Kimberyly Salter, Ph. D. |
California