FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CR
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1996                         (202) 616-2765
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888


  JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES PHOENIX FOR ALLEGEDLY SUSPENDING PARKS
           WORKER WHO HELPED CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATORS


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Justice Department today sued the
City of Phoenix for allegedly suspending a Parks Department
worker because he helped federal authorities who were
investigating allegations of discrimination lodged by a co-worker.
     The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, alleged
that the City of Phoenix violated Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 by retaliating against Thomas R. Ivan, a mechanic in
the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Library.
     Assistant Attorney General Deval L. Patrick noted that the
suspension occurred after Ivan provided information to the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The EEOC was
investigating a complaint filed by another City employee who had
alleged discrimination on the basis of national origin.
     Following his suspension and other retaliatory measures,
Ivan informed the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
("EEOC") of the City's actions.  After investigating Ivan's
allegations and concluding there was reasonable cause to believe
the city had discriminated, the EEOC referred the matter to the
Justice Department.  The Justice Department conducted its own
investigation and reached a similar conclusion.  When efforts to
settle the case were unsuccessful, the Justice Department decided
to file the suit.
     Today's suit seeks a court order requiring the City to pay
compensatory damages to Ivan, as well as back pay and related
benefits.
                              # # #
96-018