ITHACA, N.Y. -- After deliberating for only 40 minutes, a jury unanimously exonerated Cornell University today (Aug. 23) of all charges in a discrimination suit heard in federal district court in Syracuse.

The case, Patricia O'Neill vs. Cornell University , was heard before the Hon. Neal McCurn, senior U.S. District Court judge.

O'Neill brought suit against Cornell under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New York State Human Rights Law. She claimed the university discriminated against her because of her multiple personality disorder and retaliated against her when she asserted her civil rights. O'Neill was employed in the Cornell Library system from 1989-1999.

The jury reached its unanimous verdict after a two-week trial.

Cornell was represented by the Office of the University Counsel. O'Neill was represented by Raymond M. Schlather, an Ithaca attorney.

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