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4. [[underlined]] Chedister [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] United States [[/underlined]]

This complaint was filed August 5, 1976, in the U. S. Court of Claims, alleging that the Smithsonian committed an error in its decision in 1974 to abolish plaintiff's federal position as Visual Information Specialist, and that the U. S. Civil Service Commission Board of Appeals and Review likewise erred in sustaining the Institution's decision on appeal. Plaintiff seeks reinstatement with back pay and attorneys' fees. Trial in this case was completed December 1, 1978. A final decision is not anticipated before July 1979.

5. [[underlined]] Foster [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Ripley [[/underlined]]

Plaintiff, a former employee of the Smithsonian Science Information Exchange, filed this suit in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia on August 6, 1976, alleging that his removal from office was in derogation of his right to due process under the Fifth Amendment and his right to free speech under the First Amendment, and seeking reinstatement, back pay, and damages. Cross motions on summary judgment are to be argued on December 18, 1978.

6. [[underlined]] Winston [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Smithsonian Science Information Exchange [[/underlined]]

On September 7, 1977, U. S. District Court Judge John Pratt rendered his decision, finding that plaintiff Winston had failed to make any showing of racial discrimination. Judge Pratt further observed that the statistical analysis of the entire work force at SSEI was consistent with a "nondiscriminatory, or at least a neutral employment policy." The September 7, 1977, decision was appealed by plaintiff to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Oral argument before the court is scheduled for December 12.

7. There have been no recent developments in the following cases, which have been reported previously to the Board:

[[underlined]] Benima [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Smithsonian Institution [[/underlined]] (age discrimination)

[[underlined]] Bowler [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Ripley [[/underlined]] (racial discrimination)

[[underlined]] Dance [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Ripley [[/underlined]] (racial discrimination)

[[underlined]] Disposition of Old Woman Mountains Meteorite [[/underlined]] (claim of title by the Museum of the County of San Bernardino and by the State of California)

[[underlined]] Expeditions Unlimited Aquatic Enterprises, Inc., et al. [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Smithsonian Institution [[/underlined]] (libel action)