Penn State's president disputed accusations yesterday of "a cultural or systemic problem" two days after a state commission launched a review of discrimination complaints against the university.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (HRC) initiated the review Monday, the same day HRC chairman Stephen Glassman told the Centre Daily Times that the complaints against Penn State were "wide-ranging."

Penn State President Graham Spanier sent a letter to Glassman yesterday, writing that his statements were "unfounded," and that Penn State was among the least-cited large employers in the state.

"Only 56 of about 200,000 complaints to the commission since 2001 touch Penn State, one of the Commonwealth's three largest employers, with over 40,000 employees," Spanier wrote.

Spanier wrote that the university found no probable cause among the 56 complaints, and three complaints had resulted in a resolution between Penn State and the employee.

"We simply cannot stand by idly when a public official makes statements that are unsupported by the data," he wrote.

Spanier also wrote that Penn State administrators have an "excellent working relationship" with HRC staff and would comply with any review.

Michael Hardiman, HRC chief counsel, confirmed yesterday that HRC is reviewing complaints against Penn State. Hardiman said that he expected the review to be completed in about two months.

Hardiman said he could not elaborate on the number or types of complaints received.

Glassman was not available for comment as of press time yesterday.

HRC commissioners would decide what follow-up action to take once the review is complete, but one theoretically possible result was an investigation, Hardiman said.

Joel Bolstein, an HRC commissioner, said it was premature to discuss any possible investigation and follow-up actions were "fact-specific."

"We have a lot of tools available to us if we think action needs to be taken," he said.

According to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the commission can issue an order with its conclusions. Based on this order, Pennsylvania courts can order reinstatement or hiring of employees, grant back pay or other remedies.

Separately from the complaints, four faculty members and, according to the Associated Press, one staff member, have filed federal discrimination lawsuits against Penn State in the past 18 months.

Four of the cases are still pending, and one was settled out of court.

Former women's basketball player Jennifer Harris has also filed a discrimination lawsuit against Coach Rene Portland.