During summation arguments, Harvard’s attorney, Richard J. Riley, asked the jury to consider “Where is the evidence that race or gender had anything to do with this?” Goodwin’s attorney, Richard Clarey, countered that the plaintiff “was told by several people that she should leave Harvard” because the university “is a traditional place.” Goodwin, who has an MLS from Simmons College as well as a master’s in English, contended in the suit, as well as in complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, that she had been advised not to expect advancement because of her reputation for sporting tight pants and low-cut tops. The agencies dismissed the complaints.
Goodwin, who still serves as a library assistant at the Graduate School of Design’s Loeb Library, stated after the verdict: “I will continue my job search for a professional position and I’m also looking for top positions at Harvard, as well as outside of Harvard.” As to the finding that the university had not discriminated against her, Goodwin commented, “Let’s see if [Harvard] can live up to the decision.”
Posted April 8, 2005.