The Labour Court rejected Siavash Sefidvash’s appeal over his age discrimination complaint against the Institute of Art, Design & Technology, finding he had not established facts to support an inference of discrimination. Its determination was dated 20 December 2012, and it varied the Equality Officer’s decision.
Sefidvash, a former student, said the Institute discriminated against him in assessing his project and refusing to award him a degree. He also alleged harassment and victimisation, and withdrew his claims of race and religion discrimination. The Institute denied age discrimination and argued that the complaints were out of time.
The Court found that Sefidvash had not met the required grade-point average: two modules remained outstanding, and he needed a Grade C in at least one to qualify for the degree. It also found insufficient evidence for his allegations about an age-related remark, different treatment in a plagiarism inquiry, assessment transparency or the handling of disciplinary minutes.