As reported last week in What's New, Desiree Goodwin, a librarian at Harvard University, sued the university for job discrimination. She claimed that despite two master's degrees and 16 years experience she was denied seven promotions since 1999 because she was too pretty and dressed too sexy, as well as because she is black woman. The verdict from a federal jury is in: Goodwin lost.

Although Goodwin was seeking damages for emotional distress and lost wages and won nothing in the end, she told The Associated Press, "One of my friends said to me, no matter how it turns out, standing up for yourself is a victory in itself." Before the trial she complained that in 2001 a supervisor told her she would never be promoted since she was viewed as "a joke" who "was seen merely as a pretty girl who wore sexy outfits, low cut blouses, and tight pants." She said she felt there was nothing she could do to impress her managers so she could advance.

Harvard said it was pleased with the trial's outcome. "Employment at Harvard is based on the specific work skills and work history applicants bring to specific jobs," a spokesman told AP. "We have always believed that to be the case and today the jury has agreed." Each new position for which Goodwin applied at Harvard was also sought by dozens of other qualified applicants nationwide.

AP reports that Goodwin's claims were dismissed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Goodwin says she will continue to work at Harvard for now, although she did disclose she is looking for other employment.