Case: EEOC v. PRINCE FOOD SYSTEMS, INC.

4:01-cv-00494 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

Filed Date: Feb. 12, 2001

Closed Date: April 25, 2002

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In February 2001, the Houston District Office of the EEOC filed this lawsuit against Prince Food Systems Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We do not have a copy of the complaint; therefore, the exact allegations involved are unknown. However, it appears from the Agreed Final Judgment that the complaint alleged sexual and racial harassment, racial discrimination in hiring and compensation, and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 19…

In February 2001, the Houston District Office of the EEOC filed this lawsuit against Prince Food Systems Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We do not have a copy of the complaint; therefore, the exact allegations involved are unknown. However, it appears from the Agreed Final Judgment that the complaint alleged sexual and racial harassment, racial discrimination in hiring and compensation, and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Following discovery, a failed motion for summary judgment by the defendant in January 2002, and three days of a jury trial, the parties settled the lawsuit through an agreed final judgment in April 2002.

The final agreement required the defendant to: make compliance reports and provide the EEOC with census data, agreement to write a mutually acceptable press release, allow the EEOC to propose hiring goals for areas where African-Americans were under-represented, write apologies and neutral references for the complainants, have management personnel at a designated store and certain corporate officers attend a training seminar, write letters of final warning to two managers, and pay $175,000 to be distributed by the Register of the Court based upon a disbursement agreement.

Summary Authors

David Friedman (12/14/2007)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:01-cv-00494

Docket (PACER)

EEOC v. Prince Food Systems

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

Docket
20

4:01-cv-00494

Order on Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment

EEOC v. Prince Food Systems

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

Order/Opinion
56

4:01-cv-00494

Agreed Final Judgment

EEOC v. Prince Food Systems

April 25, 2002

April 25, 2002

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 26, 2024, 3:07 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT by EEOC filed; (psmith) (Entered: 02/12/2001)

Feb. 12, 2001

Feb. 12, 2001

2

Order setting Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference on 3:45 5/14/01 by telephone and Order to Disclose Interested Persons, filed. Parties notified. (psmith) (Entered: 02/12/2001)

Feb. 12, 2001

Feb. 12, 2001

SUMMONS issued (1) (psmith) (Entered: 02/12/2001)

Feb. 12, 2001

Feb. 12, 2001

4

RETURN OF SERVICE executed as to Prince Food Systems 2/22/01 filed Answer due on 3/14/01 for Prince Food Systems (psmith) (Entered: 02/27/2001)

Feb. 26, 2001

Feb. 26, 2001

5

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by Prince Food Systems , filed. (sguevara) (Entered: 03/06/2001)

March 6, 2001

March 6, 2001

6

ANSWER to Complaint by Prince Food Systems , filed. (sguevara) (Entered: 03/06/2001)

March 6, 2001

March 6, 2001

7

JOINT DISCOVERY/Case Management Plan by EEOC, Prince Food Systems , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 04/26/2001)

April 26, 2001

April 26, 2001

8

ORDER following telephone scheduling conference held. Apps: T Bowne; B Heslop. New scheduling order deadlines: Pltfs Expert witness list submitted by 11/2/01; Reports submitted by 11/2/01; Discovery cutoff 1/31/02 ; Deadline for filing all dispositive motions 1/31/02 ; Pretrial order to be submitted on or before 3/4/02 ; Docket call deadline 11:30 3/4/02; ETT: 4-5 days/jury; , Deft expert witness list due for 11/30/01 ; Reports furnished by 11/30/01; Rebuttal Expert Designations by 12/30/01; Report furnished by 12/30/01; entered; Parties notified. Parties have completed their initial disclosures. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (psmith) Modified on 05/31/2001 (Entered: 05/15/2001)

May 15, 2001

May 15, 2001

9

JOINT MOTION for agreed protective order by EEOC, Prince Food Systems , filed (psmith) (Entered: 08/15/2001)

Aug. 15, 2001

Aug. 15, 2001

10

AGREED PROTECTIVE ORDER granting [9-1] joint motion for agreed protective order , entered. Parties ntfd. ( Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (psmith) (Entered: 08/17/2001)

Aug. 16, 2001

Aug. 16, 2001

11

MOTION for leave to file amended pleading by Prince Food Systems, Motion Docket Date 2/20/02 [11-1] motion , filed. (ljackson) (Entered: 02/01/2002)

Jan. 31, 2002

Jan. 31, 2002

12

FIRST AMENDED ANSWER to Complaint by Prince Food Systems : amends [6-1] answer , filed. (ljackson) Modified on 02/01/2002 (Entered: 02/01/2002)

Jan. 31, 2002

Jan. 31, 2002

13

MOTION for summary judgment by Prince Food Systems, Motion Docket Date 2/20/02 [13-1] motion , filed. (ljackson) (Entered: 02/01/2002)

Jan. 31, 2002

Jan. 31, 2002

14

SUPPLEMENTATION to Defts [13-1] motion for summary judgment by Prince Food Systems , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 02/04/2002)

Jan. 31, 2002

Jan. 31, 2002

15

MOTION for leave to exceed page limit , by EEOC, Motion Docket Date 3/3/02 [15-1] motion , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 02/11/2002)

Feb. 11, 2002

Feb. 11, 2002

16

Certificate of Conference by Prince Food Systems to [11-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , filed. (fmremp) (Entered: 02/11/2002)

Feb. 11, 2002

Feb. 11, 2002

36

RESPONSE by EEOC to deft's deposition excerpts, filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/20/2002)

Feb. 19, 2002

Feb. 19, 2002

17

RESPONSE by EEOC in opposition to Defts [11-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , filed (psmith) (Entered: 02/21/2002)

Feb. 20, 2002

Feb. 20, 2002

19

APPENDIX by EEOC to the [18-1] response and the [17-1] response in opposition, filed. (in brown expandex folder) (psmith) (Entered: 02/21/2002)

Feb. 20, 2002

Feb. 20, 2002

20

ORDER ON DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT - DENIED in all things, entered Parties notified. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (fmremp) (Entered: 02/25/2002)

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

21

ORDER GRANTING Pltf EEOC's [15-1] MOTION FOR LEAVE TO EXCEED PAGE LIMIT of 25 pages, , entered; Parties notified. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (fmremp) (Entered: 02/25/2002)

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

22

ORDER DENYING DEFT'S [11-1] MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE AMENDED PLEADINGS, entered; Parties notified. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (fmremp) (Entered: 02/25/2002)

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

23

MOTION for leave to file amended pleading by Prince Food Systems, Motion Docket Date 3/17/02 [23-1] motion , filed. (fmremp) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

24

Second AMENDED ORIGINAL ANSWER to Complaint by Prince Food Systems : amends [6-1] answer , filed. (fmremp) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

Feb. 26, 2002

Feb. 26, 2002

25

Objections and REPLY/response by Prince Food Systems to pltf's response to deft's [13-1] motion for summary judgment , filed (kprice) (Entered: 03/05/2002)

Feb. 27, 2002

Feb. 27, 2002

27

Minute entry: Docket Call held. Apps: T. Bowne for pltf, B. Hasloff for deft. ETT: 6-8 days. Parties announce ready. Set trial deadline 9:00 3/5/02 , terminated deadlines Ct Reporter: E Reed . (kprice) (Entered: 03/05/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

26

MOTION in limine by EEOC, Motion Docket Date 3/24/02 [26-1] motion , filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

28

MOTION in limine by Prince Food Systems, Motion Docket Date 3/24/02 [28-1] motion , filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

29

RESPONSE by EEOC in opposition to deft's amended [23-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , filed (kprice) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER, received and forwarded to CRD. (kprice) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

58

Additional Attachment to [42-1] pretrial order by EEOC, Prince Food Systems , filed. (kprice) Modified on 05/24/2002 (Entered: 05/23/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

59

PROPOSED Jury Interrogatories and Instructions, filed (psmith) (Entered: 05/24/2002)

March 4, 2002

March 4, 2002

Received and forwarded to CRD: pltf's amended exhibit list. (kprice) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

March 5, 2002

March 5, 2002

30

RESPONSE by Prince Food Systems to Pltfs Response in Opposition to Defts [23-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , filed (psmith) (Entered: 03/07/2002)

March 6, 2002

March 6, 2002

32

OBJECTION to Deft's Trial Exhibits by EEOC , filed. (sfedele) (Entered: 03/11/2002)

March 8, 2002

March 8, 2002

33

REPLY by EEOC to deft's response to pltf's response to deft's amended [23-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , filed (kprice) (Entered: 03/11/2002)

March 11, 2002

March 11, 2002

34

OBJECTIONS to authenticity and admissibility of pltf's proposed trial exhibits by Prince Food Systems, filed. (ljackson) (Entered: 03/12/2002)

March 11, 2002

March 11, 2002

35

SUPPLEMENT to its [34-1] Objections to Authenticity and Admissibility of Pltfs Proposed Trial Exhibits, by Prince Food Systems , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 03/13/2002)

March 12, 2002

March 12, 2002

Received and forwarded to CRD: proposed second amended exhibit list (kprice) (Entered: 03/15/2002)

March 15, 2002

March 15, 2002

37

RESPONSE by EEOC to [34-1] deft's objections to ptf's proposed trial exhibits (kprice) (Entered: 03/20/2002)

March 19, 2002

March 19, 2002

Received and forwarded to CRD: deft's proposed amended trial exhibit list, deft's proposed amended trial witness list, and deft's supplemental objections to admissibility of pltf's proposed trial exhibits (kprice) (Entered: 03/21/2002)

March 20, 2002

March 20, 2002

Rec'd and frw'd to CRD: Deft's Second Amended Trial Exhibit List (sfedele) (Entered: 03/21/2002)

March 21, 2002

March 21, 2002

Rec'd and frwd to CRD: pltf's third amended exhibit list (ltien) (Entered: 03/22/2002)

March 22, 2002

March 22, 2002

38

OBJECTIONS to deft's trial exhibits 19 and 93-99 by EEOC , filed. (ltien) (Entered: 03/22/2002)

March 22, 2002

March 22, 2002

39

RESPONSE by EEOC to deft's amended [28-1] motion in limine , filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/25/2002)

March 25, 2002

March 25, 2002

40

RESPONSE by EEOC to deft's supplemental [34-1] objections to admissibility of pltf's proposed trial exhibits , filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/25/2002)

March 25, 2002

March 25, 2002

41

OBJECTIONS to deft's trial exhibits 2 and 100-101 by EEOC , filed. (kprice) (Entered: 03/25/2002)

March 25, 2002

March 25, 2002

42

JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER filed ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (kprice) (Entered: 03/27/2002)

March 26, 2002

March 26, 2002

43

JURY TRIAL (1st Day) held before Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt. Apps: T Bowne; B Heslop; M Kass; S Caudle. Discussion of Motions in Limine. The [23-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading is deferred. Jury voir dire; jury selected and sworn; opening statements; pltfs case begins; continued to 3/27/02 at 9 am. Ct Rptr: G Dye (psmith) Modified on 04/02/2002 (Entered: 03/27/2002)

March 26, 2002

March 26, 2002

44

ORDER denying deft's amended [23-1] motion for leave to file amended pleading , entered; Parties notified. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (kprice) (Entered: 03/28/2002)

March 26, 2002

March 26, 2002

53

Second Day of Jury trial held before Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt. Apps: same as first day. Pltf's case continues. Continued to 3/28/02 at 9:00. Ct Reporter: G Dye (ltien) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 27, 2002

March 27, 2002

47

Minute entry: Jury Trial 3rd day held. Apps: f/pltf same as first day; f/deft same as first day. Pltf's case continues. Parties announce settlement. Agreed judgment to be submitted within 30 days. Parties directed to withdraw exhibits. Ct Reporter: G Dye. (ljackson) (Entered: 04/01/2002)

March 28, 2002

March 28, 2002

46

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS: Defendant's Opening Statement for dates of 03/26/02 before Judge Kenneth M Hoyt , filed. ( Court Rptr: G Dye) (kprice) Modified on 04/02/2002 (Entered: 04/01/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

48

Third AMENDED Exhibit list by Prince Food Systems , filed (psmith) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

49

Exhibit list by EEOC , filed (psmith) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

50

Receipt for Withdrawal of Exhibits by attorney for EEOC , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

51

Receipt for Withdrawal of Exhibits by attorney for Prince Food Systems , filed. (psmith) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

52

Voir dire questions by EEOC, Prince Food Systems , filed (psmith) (Entered: 04/02/2002)

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

54

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS of Agreed Judgment for dates of 03/28/02 before Judge Kenneth M Hoyt , filed. Court Reporter: G Dye (kprice) Modified on 04/22/2002 (Entered: 04/14/2002)

April 12, 2002

April 12, 2002

55

AGREED MOTION to enter agreed final judgment by EEOC, Prince Food Systems , filed. (ckrus) (Entered: 04/24/2002)

April 23, 2002

April 23, 2002

56

AGREED FINAL JUDGMENT; granting [55-1] agreed motion to enter agreed final judgment , entered. Deft Prince Food Systems, Inc shall pay the sum of $175,000; of this amount $75,000 shall be paid by 04/27/02. The balance shall be paid in quarterly payments of $25,000 each on or before: 09/01/02; 12/01/02; 03/01/03; and 06/01/03. The payments of the $175,000 shall be made directly to the Registry of the Court. The Court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this judgment. Parties ntfd. ( signed Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (kprice) (Entered: 04/26/2002)

April 25, 2002

April 25, 2002

57

ORDER FOR DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS, entered; Deft Prince Food Systems, Inc shall pay to the Registry of the Court the sum of $175,000; of this amount, $75,000 shall be paid by 04/27/02, and the balance shall be paid in quarterly payments of $25,000 each. Parties notified. ( signed by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt ) (kprice) (Entered: 04/26/2002)

April 25, 2002

April 25, 2002

Case closed (kprice) (Entered: 04/26/2002)

April 25, 2002

April 25, 2002

Deft paid $75,000 into the registry of the Court, Receipt #520459. (sguevara) (Entered: 05/10/2002)

May 8, 2002

May 8, 2002

$3,250.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$3,500 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$2,500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$1,000.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$1,000.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$1,750.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$1,750.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$3,500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$3,500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$20,050.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$32,700.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 06/04/2002)

June 3, 2002

June 3, 2002

$15,500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 10/02/2002)

Oct. 2, 2002

Oct. 2, 2002

$9,500.00 were disbursed from the court registry. (ljackson) (Entered: 10/02/2002)

Oct. 2, 2002

Oct. 2, 2002

$25,000.00 were deposited into the Court registry. Receipt #532451. (amaly) (Entered: 07/07/2003)

June 5, 2003

June 5, 2003

$15,875.00 were disbursed from the Court registry. (amaly) (Entered: 07/07/2003)

June 13, 2003

June 13, 2003

$9,125.00 were disbursed from the Court registry. (amaly) (Entered: 07/07/2003)

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 12, 2001

Closing Date: April 25, 2002

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Prince Food Systems, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 175000

Content of Injunction:

Apology

Neutral/Positive Reference

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Goals (e.g., for hiring, admissions)

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Hiring

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Sex discrimination

Race:

Race, unspecified

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits