Case: EEOC v. Prodesign, LLC

3:04-cv-00623 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

Filed Date: Sept. 30, 2004

Closed Date: Oct. 12, 2007

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In September 2004, the Indianapolis District Office of the EEOC brought this suit against Prodesign, LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana alleging that the defendant subjected the two charging parties and a group of similarly situated female employees to a sexually hostile work environment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One of the charging parties intervened in the suit in December 2004. After some discovery and a scheduling conferenc…

In September 2004, the Indianapolis District Office of the EEOC brought this suit against Prodesign, LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana alleging that the defendant subjected the two charging parties and a group of similarly situated female employees to a sexually hostile work environment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One of the charging parties intervened in the suit in December 2004. After some discovery and a scheduling conference, the parties participated in a settlement conference in September 2005, resulting in a tentative agreement. The parties entered into a final agreement through a consent decree in October 2005.

The two-year decree, containing non-discrimination and non-retaliation clauses, required the defendant to: post a notice of its non-discrimination policy, expunge the charging parties' personnel files from all references to the charges of discrimination, provide the charging parties with neutral employment references, provide Title VII training for all its employees, report to the EEOC at specified intervals, and pay $3,000.

The decree was entered in 2005 and scheduled to last until 2007. No further docket entries exist, so the case is closed.

Summary Authors

Michele Marxkors (8/2/2007)

Clearinghouse (12/21/2018)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Dreiband, Eric S. (District of Columbia)

Eisele, Michelle (Indiana)

Farnsworth, Jo Ann (Indiana)

Lee, James L. (District of Columbia)

Reams, Gwendolyn Young (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

3:04-cv-00623

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

Oct. 14, 2005

Oct. 14, 2005

Docket
1

3:04-cv-00623

Complaint

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

Complaint
24

3:04-cv-00623

Caldwell's Complaint

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

Dec. 16, 2004

Dec. 16, 2004

Complaint
30

3:04-cv-00623

Order [Re: Consolidation]

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

Jan. 21, 2005

Jan. 21, 2005

Order/Opinion
33

3:04-cv-00623

Order [Denying Protective Order]

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

March 10, 2005

March 10, 2005

Order/Opinion
34

3:04-cv-00623

Stipulated Protective Order

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

April 7, 2005

April 7, 2005

Order/Opinion
43

3:04-cv-00623

Consent Decree

EEOC v. Prodesign, L.L.C.

Oct. 12, 2005

Oct. 12, 2005

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 29, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against Prodesign LLC , filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(jld) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

Clearinghouse
2

Summons Issued as to Prodesign LLC. (jld) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

3

NOTICE of Appearance by Jo Ann Farnsworth on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (jld) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

4

NOTICE of Appearance by Michelle F Eisele on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (jld) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

5

NOTICE of Appearance by Laurie A Young on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (jld) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Sept. 30, 2004

Sept. 30, 2004

6

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Prodesign LLC served on 10/5/2004, answer due 10/25/2004. (jld) (Entered: 10/13/2004)

Oct. 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004

7

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lexis Nexis Document Solutions, Registered Agent for Prodesign LLC served on 10/8/2004, answer due 10/28/2004. (jld) (Entered: 10/13/2004)

Oct. 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004

8

NOTICE of Appearance by David J Carr on behalf of Prodesign LLC (Carr, David) (Entered: 10/15/2004)

Oct. 15, 2004

Oct. 15, 2004

9

AGREED NOTICE to extend time to file answer filed by Prodesign LLC ; answer due by 11-29-2004. (Carr, David) (Entered: 10/15/2004)

Oct. 15, 2004

Oct. 15, 2004

10

NOTICE of Appearance by Julie M Conrad on behalf of Prodesign LLC (Conrad, Julie) (Entered: 10/18/2004)

Oct. 18, 2004

Oct. 18, 2004

11

NOTICE of Appearance by David J Carr on behalf of Prodesign LLC (Carr, David) (Entered: 10/18/2004)

Oct. 18, 2004

Oct. 18, 2004

12

NOTICE of Appearance by Beth Hatfield on behalf of Prodesign LLC (Hatfield, Beth) (Entered: 10/26/2004)

Oct. 26, 2004

Oct. 26, 2004

13

NOTICE OF PRETRIAL CONFERENCE: Joint Proposed Discovery Plan due by 12/6/2004. Rule 16 Preliminary Pretrial Conference set for 12/16/2004 at 11:30 AM in South Bend before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 10/27/04. (ksc) (Entered: 10/28/2004)

Oct. 27, 2004

Oct. 27, 2004

14

MAGISTRATE CONSENT FORMS sent to all parties (Standard Track). (ksc) (Entered: 10/28/2004)

Oct. 27, 2004

Oct. 27, 2004

15

MOTION To Allow Counsel To Participate In Pretrial Conference By Telephone by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Farnsworth, Jo Ann) (Entered: 11/01/2004)

Nov. 1, 2004

Nov. 1, 2004

16

ORDER granting 15 Motion to appear telephonically at the pretrial conference on 12/16/04 at 11:30 a.m. (South Bend time). The Court will allow all counsel to participate by telephone. The court will make arrangements. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 11/2/04. (jld) (Entered: 11/03/2004)

Nov. 2, 2004

Nov. 2, 2004

17

Tracking Sheet sent. (jld) (Entered: 11/03/2004)

Nov. 2, 2004

Nov. 2, 2004

18

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Prodesign LLC.(Carr, David) Modified on 11/30/2004 to reflect link to complaint (rmn ). (Entered: 11/29/2004)

Nov. 29, 2004

Nov. 29, 2004

19

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Carr, David) (Entered: 11/30/2004)

Nov. 30, 2004

Nov. 30, 2004

20

NOTICE OF ENDORSEMENT of by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Farnsworth, Jo Ann) (Entered: 12/01/2004)

Dec. 1, 2004

Dec. 1, 2004

21

NOTICE of Appearance by Edward J Chester on behalf of Robbie L Caldwell (Chester, Edward) (Entered: 12/02/2004)

Dec. 2, 2004

Dec. 2, 2004

22

MOTION to Intervene by Intervenor Plaintiff Robbie L Caldwell. (Attachments: # 1 Complaint)(Chester, Edward) (Entered: 12/02/2004)

Dec. 2, 2004

Dec. 2, 2004

23

NOTICE of Appearance by Laura L Ezzell on behalf of Robbie L Caldwell (Ezzell, Laura) (Entered: 12/02/2004)

Dec. 2, 2004

Dec. 2, 2004

24

DISCLOSURE of Caldwell's Initial Disclosures filed by Mrs Robbie L Caldwell.(Ezzell, Laura) (Entered: 12/16/2004)

Dec. 16, 2004

Dec. 16, 2004

Clearinghouse
25

REPORT by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Regarding Mediation . (Farnsworth, Jo Ann) (Entered: 12/16/2004)

Dec. 16, 2004

Dec. 16, 2004

26

RULE 16 PRELIMINARY PRETRIAL CONFERENCE held on 12/16/2004 before Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein : Pltf to submit ADR Report 12/31/2004. Court GRANTS MOTION to Intervene filed by Mrs Robbie L Caldwell. Initial Disclosures to be exchanged by 12/17/2004. Any amendments to the pleadings to be filed by 12/31/2004. Plaintiff expert witness disclosures and reports to be delivered to the defendant by 5/2/2005. Defendant expert witness disclosures and reports to be delivered to the plainitff by 6/1/2005. All discovery to be completed by 8/1/2005. Summary Judgment Packet to be filed by 10/3/2005. Telephonic Scheduling Conference set for 7/12/2005 03:00 PM in South Bend before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein. (slm, ) (Entered: 12/17/2004)

Dec. 16, 2004

Dec. 16, 2004

27

DISCLOSURE of Notice of Defendant's Initial Disclosures filed by Prodesign LLC.(Carr, David) (Entered: 12/17/2004)

Dec. 17, 2004

Dec. 17, 2004

28

ANSWER to 1 Complaint of Caldwell by Prodesign LLC.(Carr, David) Modified on 12/28/2004 to reflect document number of complaint (rmn ). (Entered: 12/22/2004)

Dec. 22, 2004

Dec. 22, 2004

29

MOTION to Consolidate Cases by Defendant Prodesign LLC. (Carr, David) (Entered: 12/22/2004)

Dec. 22, 2004

Dec. 22, 2004

30

ORDER denying 29 Motion to Consolidate Cases . Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 1/21/05. (jld) (Entered: 01/21/2005)

Jan. 21, 2005

Jan. 21, 2005

32

DISCLOSURE of Caldwell's 26(e) supplemental disclosures filed by Mrs Robbie L Caldwell.(Ezzell, Laura) (Entered: 03/08/2005)

March 8, 2005

March 8, 2005

33

ORDER denying 31 Motion for Protective Order. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 3/10/05. (ksc) (Entered: 03/11/2005)

March 10, 2005

March 10, 2005

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34

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 4/7/05. (jld) (Entered: 04/07/2005)

April 7, 2005

April 7, 2005

35

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Dispositive Motions by Intervenor Plaintiff Mrs Robbie L Caldwell. (Ezzell, Laura) (Entered: 06/08/2005)

June 8, 2005

June 8, 2005

36

ORDER granting 35 Motion for Extension of Time to File Dispositive Motions. The deadline for filing fully briefed dispositive motions is extended to 12/2/2005. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 6/10/05. (ksc) (Entered: 06/10/2005)

June 10, 2005

June 10, 2005

37

Telephonic Scheduling Conference held on 7/12/2005 before Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein : Settlement Conference set for 9/13/2005 09:30 AM in South Bend before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein. (slm, ) (Entered: 07/13/2005)

July 12, 2005

July 12, 2005

38

MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery by Defendant Prodesign LLC. (Conrad, Julie) Correctly signed attachment(s) added on 7/27/2005 (rmn). Modified on 7/27/2005 to add correctly signed motion (rmn). (Entered: 07/26/2005)

July 26, 2005

July 26, 2005

39

ORDER granting re 38 MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by Prodesign LLC. Motions terminated: 38. Discovery deadline is extended to/including 9/1/2005.. Signed by Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein on 7/27/05. (kds) (Entered: 07/27/2005)

July 27, 2005

July 27, 2005

40

Settlement Conference held on 9/13/2005 before Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein : Parties present; CASE SETTLED. (Tape #FTR 9/13/2005.) (slm, ) (Entered: 09/13/2005)

Sept. 13, 2005

Sept. 13, 2005

41

ORDER vacating any scheduling deadlines previously set herein, and directs the parties to file their dismissal papers by 10/14/2005.. Signed by Judge Robert L Miller Jr on 9/14/05. (kds) (Entered: 09/15/2005)

Sept. 14, 2005

Sept. 14, 2005

42

Joint STIPULATION to Dismiss with Prejudice by Defendants Prodesign LLC, Prodesign LLC. (Carr, David) (Entered: 10/12/2005)

Oct. 12, 2005

Oct. 12, 2005

43

CONSENT DECREE Signed by Judge Robert L Miller Jr on 10/12/05. (kds) (Entered: 10/13/2005)

Oct. 12, 2005

Oct. 12, 2005

Clearinghouse
44

ORDER granting Stipulation of Dismissal with Prejudice re 42 Joint STIPULATION to Dismiss with Prejudice . Each party shall bear its owns costs and attorney fees. Signed by Judge Robert L Miller Jr on 10/13/05. (kds) (Entered: 10/14/2005)

Oct. 14, 2005

Oct. 14, 2005

45

CLERK'S ENTRY OF JUDGMENT. (kds) (Entered: 10/14/2005)

Oct. 14, 2005

Oct. 14, 2005

Case Details

State / Territory: Indiana

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2004

Closing Date: Oct. 12, 2007

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

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

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Prodesign, LLC (Elkhart, IN), 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

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: 3000

Order Duration: 2005 - 2007

Content of Injunction:

Expungement of Employment Record

Neutral/Positive Reference

Discrimination Prohibition

Retaliation Prohibition

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Monitoring

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit