Case: EEOC v. BERT'S MEN'S STORES OF NASHVILLE, INC.

3:04-cv-00409 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Filed Date: May 10, 2004

Closed Date: 2008

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In May 2004, the EEOC district office in Memphis, Tennessee brought this action against Bert's Men's Stores of Nashville, Inc., a men's clothing retailer, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The complaint is unavailable. Two months after the court denied the defendant's motion for summary judgment, the parties settled and consent decree was entered in June 2005. Although the consent decree is not available, the docket states that the parties agreed that the defendan…

In May 2004, the EEOC district office in Memphis, Tennessee brought this action against Bert's Men's Stores of Nashville, Inc., a men's clothing retailer, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The complaint is unavailable. Two months after the court denied the defendant's motion for summary judgment, the parties settled and consent decree was entered in June 2005. Although the consent decree is not available, the docket states that the parties agreed that the defendant would provide the complainants with monetary relief, issue neutral reference letters, send the EEOC a copy of its sex harassment policy, and provide the EEOC with a syllabus of its EEO training sessions. No fees or costs were awarded. The terms of the agreement ran for three years.

However, five months after the decree was entered, in November 2005, the EEOC filed a motion asking the court to enforce the consent decree, alleging the defendant had failed to comply. After a hearing in which the defendant testified to the poor financial circumstances of the parties, on July 20, 2006, the court (Judge Robert Echols) ruled that there was just cause for noncompliance with the consent decree. The court waived the imposed compliance fine and dismissed the EEOC's contempt motion. There has been no further activity on the docket and since the consent decree was set for three years, this case is presumably closed.

Summary Authors

Jason Chester (7/11/2007)

Rachel Barr (3/18/2018)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

3:04-cv-00409

Docket (PACER)

EEOC v. Bert's Men's Stores

July 20, 2006

July 20, 2006

Docket

Resources

Docket

Last updated Feb. 14, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT (No Summons(es) issued) (jb) (Entered: 05/12/2004)

May 10, 2004

May 10, 2004

2

NOTICE of Initial Case Management Conference: ICMC set for 9:30 a.m. on 7/6/04 , Case referred to Magistrate Judge E. C. Knowles (jb) (Entered: 05/12/2004)

May 10, 2004

May 10, 2004

3

WAIVER OF SERVICE mailed upon deft Bert's Men's Stores on 5/26/04 (jb) (Entered: 06/08/2004)

June 7, 2004

June 7, 2004

PROPOSED Initial Case Management Order (jb) (Entered: 06/30/2004)

June 30, 2004

June 30, 2004

4

CLERK'S RESUME: Case Management Conference held on 7/6/04 . Proposed Case Management Order submitted; dispositive mtn ddl 1/3/05; jury trial set for 5/17/05 before Judge Echols. Order to enter C/R: Tape No.: 2004-43 MK (dlt) (Entered: 07/07/2004)

July 6, 2004

July 6, 2004

5

INITIAL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER by Magistrate Judge E. C. Knowles: Jury trial set for 9:00 a.m. on 5/17/05 before Judge Echols. Pretrial conference set 3:00 p.m. on 4/25/05 before Judge Echols. Discovery ddl set for 12/3/04; dispositive mtn filing ddl set for 1/3/05 ; mtns to amend the pleadings set for 8/6/04. EOD 7/7/04 (cc: all counsel) (dlt) (Entered: 07/07/2004)

July 6, 2004

July 6, 2004

6

ANSWER by deft to [1-1] (gi) (Entered: 08/13/2004)

Aug. 12, 2004

Aug. 12, 2004

7

NOTICE by Luther Wright, attorney for deft Bert's Men's Stores of change of address; new address is 1600 Division St., Ste. 700, P.O. Box 340025, Nashville, TN 37203-0025. (xc: af) (dlt) (Entered: 11/23/2004)

Nov. 22, 2004

Nov. 22, 2004

8

JOINT MOTION & MEMORANDUM to modify initial case management order . (w/ att'd proposed order) (dlt) (Entered: 11/23/2004)

Nov. 22, 2004

Nov. 22, 2004

9

ORDER by Magistrate Judge E. C. Knowles granting joint motion to modify initial case management order [8-1]. Discovery ddl is set for 12/17/04. The ddl for discovery-related motions is 12/31/04. Dispositive Motion filing ddl is set for 1/17/05. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 11/24/04) (jb) (Entered: 11/24/2004)

Nov. 23, 2004

Nov. 23, 2004

10

MOTION by deft for summary judgment (w/attached exhs A-E) (jb) (Entered: 01/19/2005)

Jan. 18, 2005

Jan. 18, 2005

11

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by deft in support of motion for summary judgment [10-1] (w/attachment) (jb) (Entered: 01/19/2005)

Jan. 18, 2005

Jan. 18, 2005

12

STATEMENT of undisputed material facts by deft in support of motion for summary judgment [10-1] (jb) (Entered: 01/19/2005)

Jan. 18, 2005

Jan. 18, 2005

13

MOTION by pltf for leave to file summary judgment response out of time (w/attached response & proposed order) (gi) (Entered: 02/18/2005)

Feb. 18, 2005

Feb. 18, 2005

17

MEMORANDUM by pltf in support of motion for leave to file summary judgment response out of time [13-1] (jb) (Entered: 03/08/2005)

Feb. 18, 2005

Feb. 18, 2005

14

RESPONSE by pltf EEOC to motion for summary judgment [10-1] (hv) (Entered: 02/22/2005)

Feb. 22, 2005

Feb. 22, 2005

15

RESPONSE by pltf EEOC to deft's statement of undisputed material facts in support of motion for summary judgment (copy of deposition of Thomas Paige) (hv) (Entered: 02/22/2005)

Feb. 22, 2005

Feb. 22, 2005

16

ORDER by Judge Robert L. Echols granting motion for leave to file summary judgment response out of time [13-1]. The Clerk is directed to file pltf's response. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 2/25/05) (jb) (Entered: 02/25/2005)

Feb. 24, 2005

Feb. 24, 2005

18

MOTION by deft for leave to file reply to pltf's response to deft's motion for summary judgment (w/original reply to pltf's response to deft's motion for summary judgment) (jb) (Entered: 03/10/2005)

March 9, 2005

March 9, 2005

19

MEMORANDUM by deft in support of motion for leave to file reply to pltf's response to deft's motion for summary judgment [18-1] (jb) (Entered: 03/10/2005)

March 9, 2005

March 9, 2005

20

ORDER by Judge Robert L. Echols granting motion for leave to file reply to pltf's response to deft's motion for summary judgment [18-1]. The Clerk is directed to file deft's reply to pltf's repsonse to deft's motion for summary judgment. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 3/11/05) (jb) (Entered: 03/11/2005)

March 10, 2005

March 10, 2005

21

REPLY by deft to pltf's response to deft's motion for summary judgment [10-1] (w/attachment) (jb) (Entered: 03/11/2005)

March 10, 2005

March 10, 2005

23

MOTION by deft to amend scheduling order and to continue trial date (w/attached affidavit) (jb) (Entered: 03/31/2005)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

24

AFFIDAVIT of Luther Wright, Jr. re [23-1] [23-2] (jb) (Entered: 03/31/2005)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

25

MEMORANDUM by deft in support of motion to amend scheduling order [23-1] and to continue trial date [23-2] (jb) (Entered: 03/31/2005)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

26

MOTION by pltf in limine to exclude evidence pursuant to Rules 404, 608, and 609 (w/attached exhs. 1 & 2) (jb) (Entered: 04/11/2005)

April 11, 2005

April 11, 2005

27

MOTION by pltf in limine to exclude testimony pursuant to Rule 412 (w/attached exhs. 1-3) (jb) (Entered: 04/11/2005)

April 11, 2005

April 11, 2005

28

ORDER by Magistrate Judge E. C. Knowles: The Court has been advised that the ptys are ready for trial, and that there is no need for further case management proceedings before the Magistrate Judge. The ptys have further advised the Court that there is a possibility of settlement in this action prior to trial. The Clerk is directed to forward this file to the Hon. Robert L. Echols. There will be no further proceedings before the Magistrate Judge. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 4/13/05) (jb) (Entered: 04/13/2005)

April 13, 2005

April 13, 2005

29

MEMORANDUM OF THE COURT (cc: all counsel) (EOD 4/18/05) (jb) (Entered: 04/18/2005)

April 18, 2005

April 18, 2005

30

ORDER by Judge Robert L. Echols: For the reasons explained in the accompanying Memorandum [29-1], Deft's motion for summary judgment [10-1] is denied. This case will proceed to jury trial as scheduled on 5/17/05 at 9:00 a.m. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 4/18/05) (jb) (Entered: 04/18/2005)

April 18, 2005

April 18, 2005

31

EXHIBIT list by deft (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

32

WITNESS list submitted by deft (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

33

PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS Nos. 1-16 submitted by pltf (w/disk) (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

34

PROPOSED JURY VERDICT INTERROGATORIES Nos. 1-17 by pltf (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

35

WITNESS/EXHIBIT list by pltf and agreed stipluations (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

36

JOINT STIPULATIONS (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

PROPOSED Joint Pretrial Order (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

38

PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS Nos. 1-23 submitted by deft and verdict forms (jb) Modified on 04/21/2005 (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

39

PROPOSED VERDICT FORM by deft (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

40

PROPOSED VERDICT FORM-DAMAGES by deft (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 20, 2005

April 20, 2005

41

DAMAGES BRIEF FILED by deft (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2005)

April 21, 2005

April 21, 2005

42

CLERK'S RESUME: Final Pretrial Conference held 4/25/05. The Court will enter an order ruling on deft's motion in limine. Counsel directed to submit objections to deposition testimony in advance of trial. Parties directed to discuss settlement. Case shall proceed to trial as scheduled. C/R: Dorothy Stiles (jb) (Entered: 04/26/2005)

April 25, 2005

April 25, 2005

43

MEMORANDUM OF THE COURT (cc: all counsel) (EOD 5/6/05) (jb) (Entered: 05/06/2005)

May 5, 2005

May 5, 2005

44

ORDER by Judge Robert L. Echols: For the reasons explained in the accompanying Memorandum [43-1], Pltf's motion in limine to exclude evidence pursuant to Rules 404, 608, and 609 [26-1] is granted in part and denied in part; and Pltf's motion in limine to exclude testimony pursuant to Rule 412 [27-1] is granted in part and denied in part. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 5/6/05) (jb) (Entered: 05/06/2005)

May 5, 2005

May 5, 2005

45

ORDER by Judge Robert L. Echols: The Court having been advised by counsel for the ptys that this action has been settled, it is hereby ordered that the action is dismissed w/o prejudice to the right, upon good cause shown within 60 days, to reopen the action if the settlement is not consummated. Within the 60 day period, the ptys may submit a proposed agreed order of compromise and dismissal. (cc: all counsel) (EOD 5/18/05) (jb) (Entered: 05/18/2005)

May 18, 2005

May 18, 2005

PROPOSED Consent Decree w/exhs A & B (jb) (Entered: 06/07/2005)

June 6, 2005

June 6, 2005

46

CONSENT DECREE approved by Judge Robert L. Echols: This Decree resolves all claims and issues arising out of Charge Nos. 253-2003-00323, 253-2003-00352, 253-2003-00353 and 253-2003-00505 and the Commission's complaint in this case alleging unlawful employment discrimination by deft. This agreement shall pertain only to matters arising from the aforementioned charges and shall not be in any manner dispositive of another charge pending before an office of the Commission. The provisions of this Consent Decree will be effective on the date the Decree is entered by the Court and shall continue to be effective and binding upon the ptys to this action for a period of three years from the date of the entry of this decree or until deft's obligations are satisfied, whichever is longer. The provisions in Section IV pertaining to neutral references shall remain in effect indefinitely. Within 60 days of entry of this Order, deft shall provide the Commisson a copy of its sexual harassment policy, a written syllabus of the mandatory training of empolyees, and the date said training was conducted at each facility. A copy of the checks sent to Joyce Maxwell, Dawn Harrington and Kasetra Nance shall be mailed to Katharine W. Kores, Regional Atty for the EEOC. The ptys shall bear their own costs and attys' fees in this action. (w/attached exhs. A & B) (cc: all counsel) (EOD 6/10/05) (jb) (Entered: 06/10/2005)

June 10, 2005

June 10, 2005

47

MOTION for Order to Enforce Consent Decree by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Responses due by 12/16/05. (Attachment: (1) Proposed Order to Enforce Consent Decree)(Liner, Celia) Modified Text on 11/29/05 (jb). (Entered: 11/29/2005)

Nov. 29, 2005

Nov. 29, 2005

48

MEMORANDUM in Support of 47 Motion for Order to Enforce Consent Decree filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: (1) Exhibit 1 - Consent Decree (2) Exhibit 2 - Declaration of Kasetra Nance (3) Exhibit 3 - Declaration of Dawn Harrington (4) Exhibit 4 - Declaration of Joyce Maxwell)(Liner, Celia) (See Motion for Certificate of Service) Modified Text on 11/29/05 (jb). (Entered: 11/29/2005)

Nov. 29, 2005

Nov. 29, 2005

49

RESPONSE in Opposition re 47 MOTION for Order to Enforce Consent Decree filed by Bert's Men's Stores of Nashville, Inc.. (Wright, Luther) (Entered: 12/16/2005)

Dec. 16, 2005

Dec. 16, 2005

50

REPLY to Response to Motion re 47 MOTION for Order to Enforce Consent Decree filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Letter to Luther Wright sent via fax July 27, 2005 with fax confirmation# 2 Exhibit Letter to Luther Wright sent via fax November 21, 2005 with fax confirmation# 3 Exhibit Collective Exhibit - Payment Chart# 4 Exhibit Collective Exhibit 3 - Interest Calculations)(Liner, Celia) (Entered: 12/21/2005)

Dec. 21, 2005

Dec. 21, 2005

51

ORDER: Within 7 days of the date of entry of this Order, the parties shall file a "Joint Status Report" indicating whether Deft is in compliance with the terms of the Consent Decree by having made all payments which are presently due, or were past due, and whether any further action needs to be taken by the Court with respect to the Pltf's Motion for Order to Enforce Consent Decree 47. Signed by Judge Robert Echols on 3/28/06. (jb) (Entered: 03/28/2006)

March 28, 2006

March 28, 2006

52

JOINT STATUS REPORT by the parties. (Liner, Celia) Modified Text on 4/5/06 (jb). (Entered: 04/04/2006)

April 4, 2006

April 4, 2006

53

ORDER: On 5/28/06, this Court entered an Order 51 in response to Pltf EEOC's "Motion for Order to Enforce Consent Decree" 47. That Order required the parties jointly to submit a status report regarding Deft's compliance with the terms of the Consent Decree previously entered into by the parties. Status Report 52 has been filed. The Status Reports indicates that Deft has not complied with the terms of the Consent Decree. Within 7 days of the date of entry of this Order, Deft shall pay the outstanding amounts owed to the Charging Parties. Deft shall pay Nance $2,500.00, Harrington $5,500.00, and Maxwell $6,000.00. Such payments shall be made by certified check and shall be sent to each of the Charging parties at the addresses listed in the Consent Decree. Contemporaneously, with those payments, Deft shall also provide to the EEOC copies of the checks sent to the Charging Parties as required by the Consent Decree. Failure to comply with the terms of this order may result in proceedings for contempt of Court. Signed by Judge Robert Echols on 4/11/06. (jb) Modified on 4/11/06 (jb). (Entered: 04/11/2006)

April 11, 2006

April 11, 2006

(MOTION CONTAINED IN STATUS REPORT-DOCKETED MOTION FOR INTERNAL TRACKING PURPOSES-NO PDF ATTACHED-SEE DE #54 FOR PDF) MOTION for Contempt by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Responses due by 5/8/06. (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2006)

April 20, 2006

April 20, 2006

NOTE TO FILER RE: DE #54-In the future please file motion and declaration as separate entries. Motion has been docketed for internal tracking purposes w/o PDF attached. (jb) (Entered: 04/21/2006)

April 21, 2006

April 21, 2006

55

ORDER: Show Cause Hearing is set for 7/10/2006 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 874 before District Judge Robert Echols. Thomas paige, the President of Bert's Men's Stores, Shall appear in person at the Show Cause Hearing to explain why he has not made the payments as ordered by the Court and why a Contempt Order should not be issued. Signed by Judge Robert Echols on 6/8/06. (dt) (Entered: 06/08/2006)

June 8, 2006

June 8, 2006

56

NOTICE of Limited Appearance by Glen Coy Watson, III on behalf of THOMAS M PAIGE, SR (Watson, Glen) Modified Text on 6/28/06 (jb). (Entered: 06/28/2006)

June 28, 2006

June 28, 2006

57

SUGGESTION OF BANKRUPTCY as to Thomas M. Paige, Sr., President of Bert's Mens Stores of Nashville, Inc. by THOMAS M PAIGE, SR. (Watson, Glen) Modified Text on 6/28/06 (jb). (Entered: 06/28/2006)

June 28, 2006

June 28, 2006

58

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Robert Echols: Show Cause Hearing held on 7/10/06. Deft did not appear to show cause why he has not complied with terms of the Consent Decree. Bert's Men's Stores assessed $50/day compliance fee. For the reasons stated on the record, hearing continued to Friday, 7/14/06. Order to enter. (Court Reporter Dorothy Stiles.) (jb) Modified Text on 7/10/06 (jb). (Entered: 07/10/2006)

July 10, 2006

July 10, 2006

62

AFFIDAVIT of Luther Wright, Jr. See Order 59. (Attachments: (1) Exhibit 1-Baptist Orders and Progress Notes; Excuse Slip dated 7/10/06; Fax Cover Sheet)(jb) (Entered: 07/20/2006)

July 10, 2006

July 10, 2006

59

ORDER: Thomas Paige failed to appear at the Show Cause Hearing set for 7/10/06. In lieu of Paige's appearance, counsel for Paige filed an Affidavit with attachments which purport to show Paige was at his mother's bedside in a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Show Cause Hearing is continued to 7/14/06 at 3:00 PM. Thomas Paige shall appear in person at this show cause hearing. If Thomas Paige fails to appear at this hearing and is not excused from so appearing by the Court based upon competent evidence that he cannot so appear because his mother is critically ill, the Court may be forced to issue a bench warrant in order to secure his appearance in court. Because of Paige's failure to appear at the hearing scheduled for 7/10/06, without adequate explanation, and because of his repeated failure to comply with the terms of the Consent Decree he signed on behalf of Bert's Men's Stores and for which he agreed to be personally liable, the Court will assess a compliance fine on Paige in the amount of $50.00 per day payable to the EEOC for distribution to the Charging Parties to become effective commencing 7/11/06, and will remain in effect until Bert's Men's Stores pays the remaining amount owed to the Charging Parties under the terms of the Consent Decree or otherwise convinces the Court that the non-compliance fine should be lifted. Signed by Judge Robert Echols on 7/11/06. (jb) (Entered: 07/11/2006)

July 11, 2006

July 11, 2006

60

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Robert Echols: Show Cause Hearing held on 7/14/06. Mr. Paige appeared as ordered, explained his reasons for not complying with the consent decree. The $50/day compliance fee imposed on July 10 is waived. Order to enter denying EEOC's motion for contempt as moot. Witness and exhibit attached. (Court Reporter Dorothy Stiles.) (jb) Modified on 7/20/06 (jb). (Entered: 07/20/2006)

July 14, 2006

July 14, 2006

61

ORDER: The Court finds that an explanation has been provided for Paige's failure to appear on behalf of Bert's Men's Stores at the Show Cause Hearing on 7/10/06, and to make payments in accordance with the Consent Decree. The Court further finds the compliance fine should be waived and the 7/11/06 Order should be amended accordingly. The Order 59 is amended and the compliance fine of $50.00 per day levied is waived. The EEOC's Motion for Contempt 54 is denied as moot. This is a final Order which concludes the actions taken by the EEOC against Bert's Men's Stores for Deft's failure to enforce the terms of the Consent Decree. Signed by Judge Robert Echols on 7/20/06. (jb) (Entered: 07/20/2006)

July 20, 2006

July 20, 2006

Case Details

State / Territory: Tennessee

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 10, 2004

Closing Date: 2008

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

BERT'S MEN'S STORES OF NASHVILLE, INC., Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

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

Order Duration: 2005 - 2008

Content of Injunction:

Neutral/Positive Reference

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits