U-m Denies Bias Charge At Hospital

A University or Michigan ppokesman said yesterday that che Michigan Civil Rights Commission has no more evidence af racial discrimination at the University Hospital than when' it investigated the charges in 1965 and 1966 and cleared the hospital of any wrongdoing. "The f acts haven't changed since that time," said Jack [Hamilton of the University Relations Office, commenting on charges that Mrs. Laverne HUI, of 515 Manor, was not allowed to withdraw her resignation from the hospital in 1965 I because she is a Negro. Mrs. Hill said she was an assistant operating room supervisor when she resigned because her husband was changing jobs and moving to another city. She said she attempted to secure her old job and was offered a lower position as staff nurse because óf racial discrimination. After investigations continuing over three years, the commission ruled that there was sufficient evidence to sustain the charges. The commission and Mrs. HOI have asked the University to restore her to the position she held in 1965, or another one that is comparable, and that it restore all back wages. According to Hamilton, Mrs. Hill filed her first grievance with the hospital on Oct. 21, 1964, charging her supervisor with unfair treatment. Hamilton said there was no mention of racial discrimination in this complaint. Eight months later, Mrs. Hill said she submitted her resignation. Hamilton said Mrs. Hill's attempt to withdraw the resignation was denied for two reasons. First of all, Hamilton said, the job had been filled. "The new employé hadn't yet j ed for work but she had been accepted for the job," he said. "What was the hospital sup- posed to do, teil the employé to forgetit?" Mrs. Hill's only comment to all questions was: "I am only in a position to repeat the original charges." The next step is a hearing on the complaint due in two weeks in Detroit.