Opinion
July 13, 1979
Present — Dillon, P.J., Schnepp, Callahan, Witmer and Moule, JJ.
Petition unanimously granted, without costs, order of appeal board annulled, on the law, and determination of the State Division of Human Rights reinstated and confirmed. Memorandum: Greif Brothers Corp. petitions pursuant to section 298 Exec. of the Executive Law, seeking to review an order of the respondent State Human Rights Appeal Board which reversed a determination of the State Division of Human Rights dismissing the Dixon complaint on the ground of no probable cause to believe that Greif Brothers Corp. engaged in a discriminatory practice. Our review confirms that there was sufficient evidence to support the determination of no probable cause for the complaint. Since there was a rational basis for the determination reached by the State Division of Human Rights, the appeal board was obligated by statute to affirm (Executive Law, § 297-a, subd 7, par e; State Div. of Human Rights v. New York State Drug Abuse Control Comm., 59 A.D.2d 332). The board may not exceed the limited scope of its review and substitute its judgment for that of the division (Putnam Community Hosp. v. New York State Human Rights Appeal Bd., 63 A.D.2d 1017). The investigation was thorough; the determination was not arbitrary or capricious; and thus, the appeal board erred in reversing the commissioner's determination and remanding the complaint to him for further investigation (State Div. of Human Rights v. New York State Drug Abuse Control Comm., supra).