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NAACP FUND'S SUIT ALLEGES NASA BIAS
November 21, 1974, Page 50Buy Reprints
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (AP)—The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., filed suit today charging the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Civil Service Commission with employment discrimination against blacks and women.
Two black employes of the Johnson Space Center in Houston were named plaintiffs in the suit, but the fund said the suit was being brought as class action on behalf of all women and blacks at’ the space center. who have suffered discrimination in hiring or promotion.
It also encompasses all women and;, employed by the Federal Government or who sought employment with the’ Government and were subject to Civil Service regulations that the suit charges are discriminatory.
The suit charges that blacks and women applying for jobs at the Johnson center are steered toward lower‐rated positions or are told that vacancies do not exist when they do.
It also challenges the meritpromotion system at the center and charges that a Civil Service exam is discriminatory and does not test job‐related skills.
The plaintiffs named are Sylyester Barrett and Gloria, Williams, both of Houston. The suit contends that they were denied promotions by NASA, Mr. Barrett because of his race, and Miss‐Williams because of her race and sex.
NASA issued a statement that said. that while’ its “equal opportunity mission is. not yet complete substantial progress is being made and a full‐scale effort will continue.”
The Civil’ Service Commission had no immediate comment.
Women's Group Sues Chicago
Speacial to The New York Times
CHICAGO, Nov. 20—The National Organization for Women filed suit today in United States District Court against the City of Chicago charging it with’ “massive employment discrimination.”
According to Judith Lownquist, a representative of the women's liberation group, the clasg’ action suit’ charges the city with violations of the Federal Civil Rights Act and the Federal Equal Pay Act.
The suit is the first brought by the group against a major municipality charging discrimination against women in its hiring, practices.
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