Microsoft Faces 3 Suits Alleging Racial Bias

Microsoft Corp., which has battled federal antitrust charges and persistent complaints from temporary workers, now is fending off fresh attacks on its management policies from some African American employees.

In the last several months, former workers have filed three race discrimination cases in federal courts around the country. Today, a Washington, D.C., suit will get a boost as a prominent attorney and several new disgruntled employees enter the fray.

Willie E. Gary, a Florida lawyer who has mounted successful attacks on such corporate icons as Coca-Cola Co. and Walt Disney Co., has stepped in to represent Rahn Jackson, a former account executive at Microsoft, and six other African Americans once or currently employed at Microsoft’s Washington, D.C., and Washington state offices.

The workers allege that because of their race they were not evaluated, promoted or paid as highly as white employees, in violation of federal civil rights law. They also allege unequal treatment under legal provisions that would allow them to recover punitive damages.

“We do not believe there is a pattern or practice of discrimination at Microsoft,” said Ginny Terzano, a company spokeswoman. She maintained that the company has welcomed more African Americans in recent years and has donated more than $100 million to fostering interest in technology among young women and minorities.

African Americans make up just 4.3% of high-tech professionals, according to a July report by a federal commission examining the technology work force.