When an "academic institution" declined to hire him, Gregory Bedny filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) claiming he was the victim of unlawful discrimination based on his national origin and/or age.
After the NYSDHR dismissed his case, Bedny filed an administrative appeal with the New York County Supreme Court, which transferred the matter to the Appellate Division, First Department.
Because the school presented a "legitimate and nondiscriminatory reason" for its decision--that is, the successful candidate had stronger references and a work experience that better matched the department's goals--the AD1 agreed that the case had been properly dismissed. (The fact that the successful candidate hadn't yet received a Ph.D. was of little import, particularly since completion of that degree was "imminent.")
So much for higher learning.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Bedny v. New York State Div. of Human Rights