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Fargo, N.D. (AP) A former North Dakota State University sports information director is appealing the dismissal of his age discrimination lawsuit.

George Ellis is asking the state Supreme Court to reinstate a Cass County judge's 2006 order that awarded him more than $250,000 in damages. NDSU says the order should stand.

Ellis was fired in 2004 when he was 59. NDSU said cited poor job performance but Ellis said he was the victim of age discrimination.

NDSU appealed the 2006 ruling to the state Supreme Court, which voted 3-2 to reverse the decision and send the case back to East Central Judicial District Judge Steven Marquart.

The Supreme Court said Marquart should have reviewed the decision of the NDSU staff personnel board rather than hold a trial. Marquart then dismissed the case.

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-03-09 1116CST | save this article / add to your favorites list