OTHER NEWS - Dec. 2, 1993

Claim Accuses Merrill Lynch of Racial Bias: An attorney who filed a discrimination claim against Merrill Lynch & Co. says the world’s largest brokerage seems to be “bearish as to black financial consultants.” The $5-million claim, filed Tuesday by Michael Sorgen, accuses the company of bias against African American brokers at three San Francisco Bay Area offices. “It appears Merrill Lynch, which is bullish on America, is bearish as to black financial consultants,” Sorgen said. He cited Oakland, San Jose and Palo Alto offices. The firm has 15 Bay Area offices. Merrill Lynch has a policy against bias but cannot comment on the claim until it sees it, spokesman Bill Clark said in New York.