Sexual Discrimination Case Update-Chichilnisky vs. Columbia

The wheels of justice grind slow. The case of Graciela Chichilnisky vs. Columbia Univ. started in 2000 is finally being heard this third week in June 2008. AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund has supported her since 2002. Wednesday slowly almost the entire day was spent cross examining Prof. Chichilnisky’s Administrative Assistant. Photos of her office and the boxes of her articles, papers, books that were thrown in complete disorder into them were shown, unseen was the violation and destruction of research . There was a half hour video conference with a witness for Graciela from California who established her expertise. Check her credentials at www.chichilnisky.com

Columbia University’ is represented by the firm of Proscauer and Rose. Each day 4-5 women and men from the firm sit at the table in front of the Judge and there are an equal number or more from the firm sitting in the courtroom. On the other end of the table sits Robert Felix, Graciela’s attorney. An unequal battle of might vs. right. Eileen Skaggs, AUW NYS Adminstrative Director, and I were there from AAUW supporting her and her fight for Equity.

The media have published information about her and this case. June 16 http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS54203+15-Jun-2008+PRN20080615 The New York Post has two articles. You can read June 16, 2008 at: http://www.nypost.com/seven/06162008/news/nationalnews/prof_hits_columbia__with_2nd_bias_suit_115711.htmJune 17 at: http://www.nypost.com/seven/06172008/news/nationalnews/columbia_rips_bias_prof_115878.htm

The trial begins again on Wednesday, June 25 at the NYS Supreme Court Room 438. I’ll be there with other AAUW members.

Nancy Mion