BOSTON (AP) – A federal court jury on Monday found that Harvard University did not discriminate against a library assistant who claimed her repeated bids for promotion were rejected by school officials because they saw her as “just a pretty girl.”

Desiree Goodwin, who is black, claimed Harvard passed her over because of her race and gender.

A federal jury deliberated less than four hours Monday before finding in favor of Harvard.

“One of my friends said to me, no matter how it turns out, standing up for yourself is a victory in itself,” Goodwin said. “I feel victorious in that sense.”

She said she was disappointed but not surprised by the jury’s verdict.

“Really, the odds are stacked against minorities in this society,” said Goodwin. “The rules in society are such that it’s difficult for minorities to succeed.”

Harvard attorney Richard Riley said there was no evidence the university discriminated against Goodwin.