Case: EEOC v. THE NEWS AND OBSERVER PUBLISHING COMPANY

5:99-cv-00582 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Filed Date: Aug. 31, 1999

Closed Date: Aug. 10, 2001

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The Charlotte Office of the EEOC filed this action in the District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Defendant was The News and Observer Publishing Company, a newspaper publisher in North Carolina. The controversy involved alleged failure to promote and termination of the complainant based on his religion (Baptist) in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The lawsuit was filed in August 1999 and was resolved in August 2001 when the court granted summary judgment to the defendant because it found that the complainant's religious belief did not have a determinative influence on his discharge.

Summary Authors

Kevin Wilemon (8/16/2007)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

5:99-cv-00582

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. The News and Observer Publishing Company

Nov. 4, 2002

Nov. 4, 2002

Docket
1

5:99-cv-00582

Complaint

EEOC v. The News and Observer Publishing Company

Aug. 31, 1999

Aug. 31, 1999

Complaint
41

5:99-cv-00582

Order [Regarding Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment]

EEOC v. The News and Observer Publishing Company

Aug. 10, 2001

Aug. 10, 2001

Order/Opinion

180 F.Supp.2d 180

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 26, 2024, 3:11 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Complaint filed JURY TRIAL DEMANDED (se) (Entered: 09/07/1999)

Aug. 31, 1999

Aug. 31, 1999

(se) (Entered: 09/07/1999)

Aug. 31, 1999

Aug. 31, 1999

Received an unsigned waiver of summons. Was informed that a signed form was to be filed with our office. (se) (Entered: 09/07/1999)

Aug. 31, 1999

Aug. 31, 1999

2

Notice of attorney appearance for EEOC by Zoe G. Mahood (se) (Entered: 10/15/1999)

Oct. 14, 1999

Oct. 14, 1999

3

Waiver of Service Returned Executed as to The News and Observer on 10/1/99 Answer due on 11/30/99 for The News and Observer (se) (Entered: 11/10/1999)

Nov. 9, 1999

Nov. 9, 1999

4

Answer to Complaint by The News and Observer (se) (Entered: 11/30/1999)

Nov. 29, 1999

Nov. 29, 1999

5

Request for Discovery Plan: Discovery Plan due by 12/21/99 (se) (Entered: 12/01/1999)

Dec. 1, 1999

Dec. 1, 1999

6

Discovery Plan filed by EEOC, The News and Observer (se) (Entered: 12/22/1999)

Dec. 21, 1999

Dec. 21, 1999

Case submitted to: USMJ William Webb [6-1] discovery submitted for an order on scheduling (se) (Entered: 12/22/1999)

Dec. 22, 1999

Dec. 22, 1999

(se) (Entered: 12/22/1999)

Dec. 22, 1999

Dec. 22, 1999

CASE FILE RETURNED from: USMJ William Webb (se) (Entered: 12/30/1999)

Dec. 30, 1999

Dec. 30, 1999

8

Notice of attorney appearance for EEOC by Lynette A. Barnes as co-counsel. (se) (Entered: 01/10/2000)

Jan. 6, 2000

Jan. 6, 2000

9

Declaration of service of Subpoena upon Timothy J. Wilkins by The News and Observer Publishing Co. (fdc) (Entered: 05/01/2000)

April 28, 2000

April 28, 2000

Received the parties proposed joint protective order. Will forward to USMJ Webb to consider. (se) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 26, 2000

May 26, 2000

10

Joint Motion by EEOC, The News and Observer to extend time for discovery for 60 days with proposed order attached. Referred motion to USMJ Webb. (fdc) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 26, 2000

May 26, 2000

Case submitted to: USMJ William Webb for review and consideration of the parties joint protective order. (se) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 30, 2000

May 30, 2000

Motion(s) referred: referred [10-1] motion to extend time for discovery to USMJ William A. Webb (fdc) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 30, 2000

May 30, 2000

11

Order granting [10-1] motion to extend time for discovery, reset discovery due for 7/31/00 , reset motion filing deadline for 8/31/00 , reset Jury trial before Judge James C. Fox for 12/11/00 signed by USMJ William A. OB Ref: MISCOB#19, P. 81. cc: counsel, S. Enyart, C. Morgan and C. Wells. (fdc) (Entered: 06/05/2000)

June 5, 2000

June 5, 2000

CASE FILE RETURNED from: USMJ William A. Webb (fdc) (Entered: 06/05/2000)

June 5, 2000

June 5, 2000

12

Order, for joint protective order signed by USMJ William A. Webb. See order for particulars. OB Ref: MISCOB#19, P. 82. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 06/05/2000)

June 5, 2000

June 5, 2000

13

Declaration by The News and Observer Re: Service of Subpoena upon Lisa Wilkins to take deposition. (fdc) (Entered: 06/09/2000)

June 8, 2000

June 8, 2000

14

Stipulation of dismissal filed as to First Claim of Relief. (fdc) Modified on 08/14/2000 (Entered: 08/14/2000)

Aug. 11, 2000

Aug. 11, 2000

15

Motion for permission to intervene by Timothy J. Wilkins with exhibit attached (Intevenor's Complaint). Exhibit not scanned. (fdc) (Entered: 08/30/2000)

Aug. 28, 2000

Aug. 28, 2000

16

Memorandum by Timothy J. Wilkins in support of [15-1] motion for permission to intervene by Timothy J. Wilkins (fdc) (Entered: 08/30/2000)

Aug. 28, 2000

Aug. 28, 2000

17

Motion by The News and Observe for summary judgment (fdc) (Entered: 09/01/2000)

Aug. 31, 2000

Aug. 31, 2000

18

Memorandum by The News and Observer in support of [17-1] motion for summary judgment with exhibits attached. Exhibits not scanned. (fdc) (Entered: 09/01/2000)

Aug. 31, 2000

Aug. 31, 2000

20

Response by The News and Observer in opposition to [15-1] motion for permission to intervene by Timothy J. Wilkins with exhibits attached (exhibits not scanned) (se) (Entered: 09/20/2000)

Sept. 20, 2000

Sept. 20, 2000

Motion(s) submitted: [19-1] motion to extend time to respond to defendant's motion for summary judgment submitted to Judge James C. Fox (se) (Entered: 09/20/2000)

Sept. 20, 2000

Sept. 20, 2000

21

Order granting [19-1] motion to extend time to respond to defendant's motion for summary judgment, Response to reset to 10/5/00 for [17-1] motion for summary judgment signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#21, P. 122. cc: counsel. (faxed copy to Z. Mahood). (fdc) (Entered: 09/21/2000)

Sept. 21, 2000

Sept. 21, 2000

22

Response by EEOC to [17-1] motion for summary judgment with appendix of exhibits attached and placed in expanding folder (exhibits not scanned). (fdc) (Entered: 10/06/2000)

Oct. 5, 2000

Oct. 5, 2000

Motion(s) submitted: [15-1] motion for permission to intervene by Timothy J. Wilkins submitted to Judge Fox for consideration. (fdc) (Entered: 10/13/2000)

Oct. 13, 2000

Oct. 13, 2000

CASE FILE RETURNED from: Judge James C. Fox (fdc) (Entered: 10/19/2000)

Oct. 19, 2000

Oct. 19, 2000

23

Order denying [15-1] motion for permission to intervene by Timothy J. Wilkins signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#21, P. 174. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 10/19/2000)

Oct. 19, 2000

Oct. 19, 2000

Pre-trial conference set at 10:30 11/28/00 before USMJ William N. Mason in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #3 (se) (Entered: 10/20/2000)

Oct. 19, 2000

Oct. 19, 2000

Jury trial set at 9:00 12/11/00 before Judge James C. Fox in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #1 (se) (Entered: 10/20/2000)

Oct. 19, 2000

Oct. 19, 2000

24

Motion by The News and Observe to extend time to file reply brief in support of Motion for Summary Judgment requesting 2-day extension with consent. Proposed order attached. (fdc) (Entered: 10/20/2000)

Oct. 20, 2000

Oct. 20, 2000

25

Order granting [24-1] motion to extend time to file reply brief in support of Motion for Summary Judgment, Reply to Response to Motion reset to 10/25/00 for [17-1] motion for summary judgment signed by Jayne C. Clark, Deputy Clerk. Counsel to serve copies. (fdc) (Entered: 10/20/2000)

Oct. 20, 2000

Oct. 20, 2000

26

Reply brief by The News and Observer to response to [17-1] motion for summary judgment with exhibits attached. (fdc) (Entered: 10/25/2000)

Oct. 25, 2000

Oct. 25, 2000

Motion(s) submitted: [17-1] motion for summary judgment submitted to Judge James C. Fox for consideration. (fdc) (Entered: 10/25/2000)

Oct. 25, 2000

Oct. 25, 2000

Pre-trial conference re-set at 3:00 11/28/00 before USMJ William N. Mason in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #3 (se) (Entered: 11/02/2000)

Oct. 30, 2000

Oct. 30, 2000

27

Motion by The News and Observer for Expanded Voir Dire and Incorporated Memorandum. (fdc) (Entered: 11/16/2000)

Nov. 15, 2000

Nov. 15, 2000

29

Response by EEOC to [27-1] motion for Expanded Voir Dire (fdc) (Entered: 11/28/2000)

Nov. 27, 2000

Nov. 27, 2000

30

Pretrial order filed; estimated trial time is four days. Signed by USMJ William N. Mason. cc: deputy, court reporter and Judge Fox. (fdc) (Entered: 11/29/2000)

Nov. 29, 2000

Nov. 29, 2000

Motion(s) submitted: [27-1] motion for Expanded Voir Dire submitted to Judge James C. Fox for consideration. (Trial date is 12/11/00.) (fdc) (Entered: 11/29/2000)

Nov. 29, 2000

Nov. 29, 2000

31

Order; This matter, which is currently set for the undersigned's 12/11/00 term of court, hereby is CONTINUED until the 1/22/01 term of court. reset Jury trial before Judge James C. Fox for 1/22/01 , The court DIRECTS the parties to file their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, no later than December 15, 2000. The court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire. Signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#21, P. 259. cc: counsel, C. Morgan, S. Cannon, S. Enyart. (fdc) (Entered: 12/01/2000)

Nov. 30, 2000

Nov. 30, 2000

Issued Notice of Hearing: set status conference before Judge James C. Fox for 11:00 12/5/00 in Courtroom 1, Wilmington, NC. cc: counsel via fax and regular mail, Judge Fox, C. Morgan, Court Reporter, Courtroom Deputy, Raleigh and Southern Div. Offices, USMS in Raleigh, Greenville and Wilmington, CSO, GSA. (fdc) (Entered: 12/01/2000)

Dec. 1, 2000

Dec. 1, 2000

Status conference held before Judge James C. Fox. Court Reporter: Stacy Schwinn, Courtroom Deputy: Susan Enyart; Law Clerk: Brian Roark. Counsel for all parties were present for the status conference. The court advises counsel that it has turned their attention to the pending summary judgment motion in this case and reviewed the pretrial order filed in the case. If this case goes to trial, the court wants to be sure that there is ample time to resolve any issues before hand. The court does not want to resolve the objections to the exhibits at trial so it wants to meet with counsel at some point in time early January 2001. The court further discussed possible settlement of this case. Counsel for the pltf advised the court that it has been discussed but that the parties are unable to come to an agreement. The court will try to rule on the pending motion for summary judgment before the holidays. (se) (Entered: 12/07/2000)

Dec. 5, 2000

Dec. 5, 2000

Jury trial set at 9:00 1/22/01 before Judge James C. Fox in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #1 (se) (Entered: 12/18/2000)

Dec. 5, 2000

Dec. 5, 2000

32

Order, By order hereby, the date by which the parties shall submit their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, is EXTENDED until January 5, 2001. The court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire , reset Response to Order due 1/5/01 . Signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#22, P. 26. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 12/07/2000)

Dec. 7, 2000

Dec. 7, 2000

34

Document filed by defendant The News and Observer Publishing Co. titled: Disclosure of Corporate Affiliations and Other Entities with a Direct Financial Interest in Litigation. (se) (Entered: 12/19/2000)

Dec. 18, 2000

Dec. 18, 2000

35

Order, By order hereof, the date by which the parties shall submit their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, is EXTENDED until January 15, 2001. reset Response to Order due 1/15/01 , The court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire. signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#22, P. 46. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 01/04/2001)

Jan. 4, 2001

Jan. 4, 2001

36

Order, This matter, which is currently scheduled for the undersigned's January 22, 2001 term of court, hereby is CONTINUED until the March 19, 2001 term of court. The court DIRECTS the parties to file their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, no later than March 5, 2001. The court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire. , reset Response to Order due 3/5/01 signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#22, P. 63. cc: counsel, C. Morgan, S. Cannon, S. Enyart. (fdc) (Entered: 01/12/2001)

Jan. 12, 2001

Jan. 12, 2001

Jury trial set at 9:00 3/19/01 before Judge James C. Fox in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #1 (se) (Entered: 01/30/2001)

Jan. 25, 2001

Jan. 25, 2001

37

Joint Motion by The News and Observe, EEOC to continue trial proposed order attached. Will forward to Judge Fox for consideration. (fdc) (Entered: 02/28/2001)

Feb. 28, 2001

Feb. 28, 2001

Motion(s) submitted: [37-1] motion to continue trial submitted to Judge James C. Fox for review and consideration. (fdc) (Entered: 02/28/2001)

Feb. 28, 2001

Feb. 28, 2001

CASE FILE RETURNED from: Judge James C. Fox (fdc) (Entered: 03/01/2001)

March 1, 2001

March 1, 2001

38

Order granting [37-1] motion to continue trial until the June 25, 2001 term of Court. The Court DIRECTS the parties to file their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, no later than 6/11/01. The Court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire. , reset Jury trial before Judge James C. Fox for 9:00 6/25/01 , set Response to Order due 6/11/01 signed by Judge James Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#22, P. 148. cc: counsel, C. Morgan, S. Cannon and S. Enyart. (fdc) (Entered: 03/01/2001)

March 1, 2001

March 1, 2001

Jury trial set at 9:00 6/25/01 before Judge James C. Fox in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #1 (se) (Entered: 05/03/2001)

May 2, 2001

May 2, 2001

39

Motion by The News and Observe to continue trial with consent. Proposed order attached and forwarded to Judge James C. Fox for consideration. (fdc) (Entered: 05/30/2001)

May 30, 2001

May 30, 2001

40

Order granting [39-1] motion to continue trial, The court DIRECTS the parties to file their proposed voir dire questions, including, if any party so chooses, a proposed jury questionnaire on matters involving sexual orientation, no later than August 20, 2001. The Court will reserve ruling on the Defendant's Motion for Expanded Voir Dire pending review of any such proposed questionnaire. , reset Jury trial before Judge James C. Fox for 9:00 9/4/01 , reset Response to Order due 8/20/01 . Signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#23, P. 120. cc: counsel, C. Morgan, S. Cannon, S. Enyart. (fdc) (Entered: 06/01/2001)

June 1, 2001

June 1, 2001

Jury trial set at 9:00 9/4/01 before Judge James C. Fox in Wilmington, NC, Ctrm #1 (se) (Entered: 07/19/2001)

July 17, 2001

July 17, 2001

CASE FILE RETURNED from: Judge James C. Fox (fdc) (Entered: 08/10/2001)

Aug. 10, 2001

Aug. 10, 2001

41

Order granting [17-1] motion for summary judgment; and this matter hereby is dismissed. Signed by Judge James C. Fox. OB Ref: FOXOB#24, P. 16. cc: counsel by regular mail and notified by telephone. (fdc) (Entered: 08/10/2001)

Aug. 10, 2001

Aug. 10, 2001

42

Judgment for The News and Observer against EEOC. IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that for the reasons set forth in the court's order of August 10, 2001, the News & Observer's motion for summary judgment is ALLOWED, and this matter hereby is DISMISSED. Signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk by Jayne C. Clark, Deputy. OB Ref: FOXOB#24, P. 17. cc: counsel via regular mail and notified by telephone. (fdc) (Entered: 08/10/2001)

Aug. 10, 2001

Aug. 10, 2001

Case closed NP (fdc) (Entered: 08/10/2001)

Aug. 10, 2001

Aug. 10, 2001

43

Bill of costs filed by Robert E. Harrington, atty for deft. (fdc) (Entered: 08/27/2001)

Aug. 24, 2001

Aug. 24, 2001

Case submitted to: David W. Daniel, Clerk [43-1] submitted for review of Bill of Costs. (fdc) (Entered: 09/28/2001)

Sept. 28, 2001

Sept. 28, 2001

CASE FILE RETURNED from: David W. Daniel, Clerk (fdc) (Entered: 11/07/2001)

Nov. 7, 2001

Nov. 7, 2001

44

Order for bill of costs signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. OB Ref: FOXOB#24, pg. 180, cc:counsel. (se) (Entered: 11/26/2001)

Nov. 26, 2001

Nov. 26, 2001

45

Judgment; IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the total award of costs ALLOWED against the Plaintiff in favor of the Defendant is $5,116.88; signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk by Susan Enyart, Deputy. OB Ref: FOXOB#24, pg. 181, cc:counsel. (se) (Entered: 11/26/2001)

Nov. 26, 2001

Nov. 26, 2001

46

AMENDED Order, for bill of costs in the amount of $5,156.88. Signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. OB Ref: FOXOB#25, P. 7. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 12/07/2001)

Dec. 7, 2001

Dec. 7, 2001

47

AMENDED Judgment for The News and Observer against EEOC in the amended total award of costs in the amount of $5,156.88. Signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk by Jayne C. Clark, Deputy. OB Ref: FOXOB#25, P. 8. cc: counsel. (fdc) (Entered: 12/07/2001)

Dec. 7, 2001

Dec. 7, 2001

Case Details

State / Territory: North Carolina

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 31, 1999

Closing Date: Aug. 10, 2001

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

The News and Observer Publishing Company (Raleigh, NC), Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Promotion

Discrimination-basis:

Religion discrimination

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits