The Maine Human Rights Commission voted to adopt the investigator's recommended findings that there were no reasonable grounds to believe the University of Southern Maine unlawfully discriminated against or retaliated against the complainant in combined cases E230399 and E230400. The complainant, identified in the hearing as Miss Partridge, told the commission she experienced a hostile work environment, repeated denials of disability‑related supports and confusion about medical‑leave communications; she said she had attempted to secure accommodations and that requests for recorded or remote meetings were not honored.

University counsel Lisa Landry told the commission UMS's records show the termination was the result of a legitimate nondiscriminatory business decision tied to operational needs and undue burden. Landry told the panel, "There is no evidence to support the complainant's allegations of race, color, age, or disability discrimination," and said the university documented mandatory overtime and a need to fill the dispatcher position.

Investigator Nupur Leva presented the investigative record and told commissioners the evidence did not support Partridge's allegations that the university's actions met the legal standard for discrimination or unlawful retaliation. Leva answered commissioners' questions about job duties and contemporaneous documentation, and noted discrepancies in the timeline that informed the recommended decision.

Commission discussion focused on whether the record showed a legitimate business need and whether any requested accommodations had been properly documented and considered. Commissioner Douglas moved to adopt the investigator's findings; the motion passed and the commission directed staff to notify the parties in writing.

The commission will send formal letters to counsel and the parties confirming the results and next steps; no additional hearing was scheduled.