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


HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
RECOMMENDS MONETARY AWARD
IN NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION CASE  For Immediate Release: April 5, 1996


     In a recent ruling, a Montgomery County Human Relations Commissions
(HRC) hearing examiner has found that Wells Fargo Guard Services and Borg
Warner Protective Services engaged in illegal national origin discrimination
when they discharged Yanick P. Toussaint from employment.
     As a result of the ruling, Hearing Examiner Philip J. Tierney has
recommended that Ms. Toussaint be awarded $24,736 for actual damages, $1,000
for humiliation and embarrassment and $7,097.21 in attorney's fees.
     After HRC Director Odessa M. Shannon found reasonable grounds to believe
that discrimination had occurred, the case was referred to the HRC Employment
Panel for a public hearing, following unsuccessful attempts to reach a
voluntary settlement.  The panel, in turn, referred the case to the hearing
examiner for public hearing which occurred in January and February
1996.
     In this case, the hearing examiner's recommendations must be reviewed by
the Employment Panel before they can become final.  The parties to the
complaint may request oral argument before the panel reaches a decision.  The 
panel's final Decision and Order can be appealed to the Circuit Court.
     The County's Human Relations Commission investigates and resolves formal
complaints of discrimination in employment and commercial and residential real
                                  -more-
NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION                                        2-2-2-2

estate transactions and public accommodations based on race, color, religious
creed, ancestry, national origin and age (for real estate and employment
disputes only), sex, marital status, sexual orientation and physical or mental
handicap, as well as the presence of children and source of income (for real
estate only).
     Complaints may be filed in person with the commission at 164 Rollins
Ave., Rockville (Twinbrook Metro, Ride On routes 5 and 46, and Metrobus/Ride
On route C-8) or by calling 301-468-4265; TT 301-468-4198.

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