Guards Press Cases Forward

President Neil L. Rudenstine last week promised a report on the beleaguered University security department "soon" and reiterated his support for Vice President and General Counsel Margaret H. Marshall's investigation of discrimination in the guard unit.

In interviews last month, security guards on both sides of the dispute criticized Marshall because the probe has lasted more than six months. Many said they felt personally betrayed by Marshall, who promised in a January 15 letter to provide guards "with a working environment free from any discriminatory practices, or the perception thereof."

In defending Marshall, Rudenstine said he believed a patient, thorough approach to the issue was best.

"I personally regret the sense of frustration and the additional problems people may be feeling because of it." the president said. "At the same time, given its nature, I think that we're going to be best served by the best report we can get. And I think that's what Margaret Marshall will deliver."

Rudenstine said the allegations of discrimination by 11 former and current employees of the security unit is a "very troubling issue" that must be dealt with "expeditiously." He said that the current pace of the investigation was the result of "natural causes."

"I don't think Margaret Marshall has done anything but go forward in the most expeditious way she can," he said.

Rudenstine emphasized that he was aware of continued problems and low morale in the unit during Marshall's ongoing probe. One guard, a Russian citizen who has asked that his name not be used, has publicly charged discrimination. He was tired in early February shortly after the investigation began.

Another guard, Pierre R. Voss, who says he suffers from a back condition, has complained of harassment by security department officials who have allegedly refused to accept notes from his doctors.

Rudenstine said he has spoken with the general counsel, though not in detail, about her investigation, and has been satisfied with the responses.

"I talk on her all the time," he said. "Not in detail, but in the sense of her giving me an update, in the sense that she's at it."

"But unless I have reason to think that someone isn't doing their job, I don't try to force an issue that has as many complexities and issues of fairness involving as many people as this one does," Rudenstine added. "Because if you do, you'll just end up with a job that isn't as well done as it should be."

The president emphasized that it would take time to get an answer that is "fair and just."

"I realize that's not always an easy answer to live with, but I'm positive that's the right thing to do," he said

"I don't think Margaret Marshall has done anything but go forward in the most expeditious way she can," he said.

Rudenstine emphasized that he was aware of continued problems and low morale in the unit during Marshall's ongoing probe. One guard, a Russian citizen who has asked that his name not be used, has publicly charged discrimination. He was tired in early February shortly after the investigation began.

Another guard, Pierre R. Voss, who says he suffers from a back condition, has complained of harassment by security department officials who have allegedly refused to accept notes from his doctors.

Rudenstine said he has spoken with the general counsel, though not in detail, about her investigation, and has been satisfied with the responses.

"I talk on her all the time," he said. "Not in detail, but in the sense of her giving me an update, in the sense that she's at it."

"But unless I have reason to think that someone isn't doing their job, I don't try to force an issue that has as many complexities and issues of fairness involving as many people as this one does," Rudenstine added. "Because if you do, you'll just end up with a job that isn't as well done as it should be."

The president emphasized that it would take time to get an answer that is "fair and just."

"I realize that's not always an easy answer to live with, but I'm positive that's the right thing to do," he said