The dismissal of Berkowitz's complaint by the Docket Committee effectively lays it to rest as far as the University is concerned.

Knowles confirmed that with the receipt of the committee's verdict, "the processes of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences are now complete."

Traceable on the Web site, the grievance's path to this point--apparently the end of the line for Berkowitz's appeal within the FAS--began with a letter Berkowitz sent to Knowles late last summer.

On Aug. 27, 1998, Berkowitz wrote to the dean, requesting procedures applicable to an appeal of a decision by Rudenstine. Knowles responded on Sept. 17 via Secretary of the Faculty John B. Fox Jr. '69, who forwarded Berkowitz a copy of the University's published Guidelines for the Resolutions of Faculty Grievances.

In accordance with Phase 1 of the Guidelines, Berkowitz then met with his department head, Williams Professor of history and Political Science Roderick McFarquhar, who said he was not in a position to overturn a decision of the President.

Phase 2 of the Guidelines required that Berkowitz consult privately with an associate dean. Berkowitz says the obvious choice was Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Carol Thompson, wife of Associate Provost Dennis F. Thompson. Dennis Thompson figures prominently in Berkowitz's grievance.

In a November 3 letter, Fox urged Berkowitz to contact either Kenan Professor of English Marjorie Garber or Dean Elizabeth Doherty instead of Dean Thompson.

Berkowitz says he saw no reason to approach Garber or Doherty, who are the school's designated contacts for affirmative action complaints.