When Abramian was fired in 1993, he could no longer afford to keep taking classes, and could not get hired at another job because of the University's accusations against him.

He lost his car and condominium, and ended up staying at a Jamaica Plain homeless shelter for over six years.

After his jury trial in 1998, Abramian began working as a security guard at Northeastern University, where he continued his education. He received his master's degree in political science from Northeastern this spring.

He now has an apartment in Boston and is applying for acceptance to Ph.D. programs at several universities, although he has not been accepted to any yet.

Abramian was unavailable for comment, but his attorney says he looks forward to finishing the trial and continuing his education.

"He is pleased the court affirmed the retaliation claim," Barter said. "He is still working as a security guard while pursuing the education that he was trying to get before."

The case of Abramian vs. President and Fellows of Harvard College will most likely not go to a jury for retrial until the fall, according to attorneys on both sides.