Human Relations Commission Ruling

BA/HRC.pr 95-435 Contact: Michael Dennis,
301-468-4265

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
RECOMMENDS AWARD IN AGE
DISCRIMINATION CASE For Immediate Release:
Dec. 22, 1995

In a recent ruling, a Montgomery County Human Relations
Commission (HRC) hearing examiner has found that Presstar
Printing Company engaged in illegal age discrimination when it
terminated mailroom supervisor Charles Graves. As a result of
the ruling, Hearing Examiner Philip J. Tierney has recommended
that Graves be awarded $344,565 "for economic loss and actual
damages," $1,000 in damages "for aggravated humiliation and
embarrassment" and reasonable attorney's fees.

After HRC Executive Director Odessa Shannon found reasonable
grounds to believe that discrimination had occurred, the case was
referred to the HRC Employment Panel for a public hearing, after
attempts at a voluntary settlement were unsuccessful. The panel,
in turn, referred the case to the hearing examiner for public
hearing which occurred in September 1995.

In this case, the hearing examiner's recommendations must be
reviewed by the panel before they can become final. The parties
to the complaint may request oral argument before the panel reaches a decision. The final decision and Order by the panel
can be appealed to the Circuit Court.

The County's Human Relation Commission investigates and
resolves formal complaints of discrimination in employment,
commercial and residential real estate transactions and public
accommodations on the bases of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (for real estate
and employment disputes only), sex, marital status, sexual
orientation and physical or mental handicap, as well as presence
of children and source of income (real estate only).

Complaints may be filed with the commission in person at 164
Rollins Avenue, Rockville (Twinbrook Metrorail, Ride-On routes 5,
46 and Metrobus/Ride-On route C-8) or by calling 301-468-4265;
TDD/TTY 301-468-4198.

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