Iona College illegally discriminated against a 54-year-old woman when it terminated her job in a dean’s office in 2002 and replaced her with a woman who was nearly 30 years younger, the New York State human-rights commissioner has ruled.

According to The Journal News, a local newspaper, the commissioner ordered Iona to pay the woman — Maryann Rossi, who is now 59 years old — more than $250,000 following an age-discrimination complaint she filed with the Division of Human Rights.

A college spokeswoman said Iona was “disappointed” with the decision and is considering “options on how to proceed.” Iona has 60 days to file an appeal, which would be heard in state court.

Ms. Rossi started as an assistant dean for academic programs in 1999. She was one of three people whose jobs were eliminated when the office of the dean of arts and sciences was restructured, and one of two who were over 50. —Robin Wilson