Case: Santana v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

4:98-cv-00136 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Filed Date: Sept. 16, 1998

Closed Date: 2000

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

EEOC's Charlotte, NC office filed this lawsuit alleging discrimination based on national origin against the defendant, Sears, Roebuck & Co. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (Eastern Division) on 09/16/1998. The defendant operates the Sears store chain nationwide. EEOC alleged on behalf of a job applicant who was a naturalized American of Mexican origin that the defendant refused to hire him because of his national origin and specifically Spanish a…

EEOC's Charlotte, NC office filed this lawsuit alleging discrimination based on national origin against the defendant, Sears, Roebuck & Co. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (Eastern Division) on 09/16/1998. The defendant operates the Sears store chain nationwide. EEOC alleged on behalf of a job applicant who was a naturalized American of Mexican origin that the defendant refused to hire him because of his national origin and specifically Spanish accent. EEOC claimed that the defendant instead hired a caucasian with less experience than the complainant. The complainant intervened in the suit.

After postponing the trial date three times, the district court judge Malcolm J. Howard granted defendant's motion for summary judgment. Judge Howard believed that although the plaintiff made a prima facie case under the McDonnell-Douglas framework, he failed to show discrimination was the real reason for defendant's refusing to hire him. Both the EEOC and the individual complainant appealed to the Fourth Circuit.

The Fourth Circuit reversed and remanded the case. The Fourth Circuit followed the Supreme Court's decision in Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc. The Fourth Circuit held that a plaintiff did not need to prove pretext for discrimination. Sufficient evidence to find that the employer's asserted justification is false is enough to survive a summary judgment motion. EEOC v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 243 F.3d 846 (4th Cir. 2001).

Upon remand of the case, the individual complainant voluntarily dismissed the case after settling with the defendant. The EEOC resolved its suit on 10/10/2001 with a consent decree with a one-year term.

Under the consent decree, the defendant was prohibited from discriminating against future job applicants on the basis of national origin. The defendant was also required to provide training and post notice about EEO laws and policies.

Summary Authors

Justin Kanter (6/19/2007)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

David, Lorraine C.

Gregory, Robert John

Sklover, Philip B.

Stewart, C. Gregory

Attorney for Defendant

Spears, James Bernard

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

4:98-cv-00136

Docket

Santana, et al v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Oct. 10, 2001

Oct. 10, 2001

Docket
1

4:98-cv-00136

Complaint

EEOC v. Sears, Roebuck & CO

Sept. 16, 1998

Sept. 16, 1998

Complaint
31

4:98-cv-00136

Order [Granting Defense Motion for Summary Judgment]

EEOC & Francisco G. Santana v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Feb. 3, 2000

Feb. 3, 2000

Order/Opinion

00-01507

Opinion [From USCA]

EEOC v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

March 20, 2001

March 20, 2001

Order/Opinion

243 F.3d 846

52

4:98-cv-00136

Consent Decree

EEOC v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Oct. 10, 2001

Oct. 10, 2001

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 28, 2025, 8:09 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 16, 1998

Complaint filed alleging failure or refusal to hire based on national origin, Mexican, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. JURY DEMAND. (ll) (Entered: 09/18/1998)

PACER
2 Sept. 16, 1998

Request for Waiver of Service as to Sears, Roebuck & Co. (**Not signed or dated by counsel and therefore not FILED) (ll) (Entered: 09/18/1998)

PACER
Sept. 16, 1998

(ll) (Entered: 09/18/1998)

PACER
3 Oct. 26, 1998

Motion to intervene by Francisco G. Santana , cs. (response due 11/18/98) (dh) (Entered: 10/27/1998)

PACER
4 Nov. 23, 1998

Answer to Complaint by Sears, Roebuck & Co. (dh) (Entered: 11/23/1998)

PACER
Nov. 23, 1998

Motion(s) submitted: [3-1] motion to intervene by Francisco G. Santana submitted. CASE FILE TO JUDGE HOWARD FOR CONSIDERATION. (dh) (Entered: 11/23/1998)

PACER
5 Dec. 16, 1998

Order granting [3-1] motion to intervene by Francisco G. Santana signed by Malcolm J. Howard. cys served. (dh) (Entered: 12/16/1998)

PACER
6 Dec. 16, 1998

Request for Discovery Plan: Discovery Plan due by 1/5/99 (dh) (Entered: 12/16/1998)

PACER
Dec. 31, 1998

Letter on left side of case file - Parties have been given permission from USMJ Dixon to file discovery plan by 1/11/99. (ll) (Entered: 12/31/1998)

PACER
7 Jan. 11, 1999

Discovery Plan filed by Sears, Roebuck & Co., Francisco G. Santana (dh) (Entered: 01/13/1999)

PACER
Jan. 13, 1999

Case submitted to: USMJ Dixon [7-1] discovery submitted. CASE FILE TO USMJ DIXON FOR ENTRY OF SCHEDULING ORDER. (dh) (Entered: 01/13/1999)

PACER
9 Feb. 11, 1999

Waiver of Service of Summons Returned Executed as to Sears, Roebuck & Co. 9/23/98 Answer due on 11/23/98 for Sears, Roebuck & Co. (ll) (Entered: 02/18/1999)

PACER
10 June 1, 1999

Unopposed Motion by Sears, Roebuck & Co. to extend time for discovery period to July 16, 1999 . w/cs. (ll) (Entered: 06/01/1999)

PACER
June 1, 1999

Motion(s) referred: referred [10-1] motion to extend time for discovery period to July 16, 1999 to USMJ Wallace W. Dixon. Case file to USMJ Dixon for consideration. (ll) (Entered: 06/01/1999)

PACER
11 June 8, 1999

Order granting [10-1] motion to extend time for discovery period to July 16, 1999, reset discovery due for 7/16/99 reset motion filing deadline for 8/3/99 reset Jury trial before Judge Malcolm J. Howard for 11/1/99 Greenville, NC signed by Wallace W. Dixon, USMJ. Cys. served. Cal. cy. (ll) (Entered: 06/11/1999)

PACER
12 July 23, 1999

Unopposed Motion by Equal Employment Opp to extend time for discovery . w/cs. (ll) (Entered: 07/23/1999)

PACER
July 23, 1999

Motion(s) referred: referred [12-1] motion to extend time for discovery to USMJ Wallace W. Dixon. Case file to USMJ Dixon for consideration. (ll) (Entered: 07/23/1999)

PACER
July 26, 1999

Letter dated July 22, 1999 From: David P. Voerman Re: Vacation Plans in Nov. Mr. Voerman advises the court of his vacation planned for November 12, 1999 through November 21, 1999 in Canada. Mr. Voerman seeks assistance in alerting the judges and calendaring clerks regarding his planned vacation. cy to Judge Howard. (dh) (Entered: 07/28/1999)

PACER
13 July 29, 1999

Order granting [12-1] motion to extend time for discovery, reset discovery due for 8/16/99 , reset motion filing deadline for 8/31/99 signed by Wallace W. Dixon, USMJ. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 07/29/1999)

PACER
Aug. 17, 1999

Case submitted to: Wallace W. Dixon, USMJ for consideration of proposed Consent Protective Order submitted by parties. (ll) (Entered: 08/17/1999)

PACER
14 Aug. 23, 1999

Consent Protective Order re: confidentiality of discovery material. signed by Wallace W. Dixon, USMJ. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 08/23/1999)

PACER
15 Aug. 31, 1999

Motion by Sears, Roebuck & Co. for summary judgment , cs. w/attachments. (response due 9/23/99) (dh) (Entered: 09/03/1999)

PACER
16 Aug. 31, 1999

Memorandum by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in support of [15-1] motion for summary judgment, cs. (dh) (Entered: 09/03/1999)

PACER
Sept. 1, 1999

Pre-trial conference set at 10:00 10/21/99 before USMJ Louise W. Flanagan in G'ville at courthouse annex. (dh) (Entered: 09/01/1999)

PACER
Sept. 1, 1999

Jury trial set at 10:00 11/1/99 before Judge Malcolm J. Howard in G'ville. (dh) Modified on 09/01/1999 (Entered: 09/01/1999)

PACER
18 Sept. 10, 1999

Order granting [17-1] motion to extend time to respond to defendant's motion for summary judgment, Response to reset to 10/6/99 for [15-1] motion for summary judgment , reset Jury trial before Judge Malcolm J. Howard for 2/7/00 signed by Wallace W. Dixon, USMJ. Cys. served. Cal. cy. (ll) (Entered: 09/10/1999)

PACER
19 Oct. 4, 1999

Motion by EEOC to extend time for two-days to and including Oct. 8, 1999 to respond to deft's motion for summary judgment , cs. cy to Clerk w/p.o. (dh) (Entered: 10/12/1999)

PACER
20 Oct. 8, 1999

Order granting [19-1] motion by pla. to extend time for two-days to and including Oct. 8, 1999 to respond to deft's motion for summary judgment, Response to motion reset to 10/8/99 for [15-1] motion for summary judgment signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. cys served 10/8/99. (dh) (Entered: 10/12/1999)

PACER
22 Oct. 8, 1999

Affidavit of Erania Ebron-Fubara by EEOC Re: [21-1] motion response. w/ attachments. (ll) (Entered: 10/19/1999)

PACER
23 Oct. 12, 1999

Memorandum by Francisco G. Santana in opposition to [15-1] motion for summary judgment. w/cs. Reply due on 10/29/99. (ll) (Entered: 10/19/1999)

PACER
24 Oct. 12, 1999

Affidavit of Francisco G. Santana by Francisco G. Santana Re: [21-1] motion response. w/attachments. (ll) (Entered: 10/19/1999)

PACER
21 Oct. 18, 1999

Response by EEOC to [15-1] motion for summary judgment. w/cs and attachments. Reply due on 10/27/99. (ll) (Entered: 10/19/1999)

PACER
25 Oct. 19, 1999

Document filed by defendant Sears, Roebuck & Co. titled: Defendant's Notice of Intent To File Its Reply To Plaintiffs' Responses To Defendant's Motion For Summary Judgment, cs. (dh) (Entered: 10/28/1999)

PACER
26 Oct. 21, 1999

Motion by Sears, Roebuck & Co. to exceed the ten page limit imposed on replies , cs. cy faxed to Clerk 10/28/99. (dh) (Entered: 10/28/1999)

PACER
27 Oct. 25, 1999

Reply by Sears, Roebuck & Co. to response to [15-1] motion for summary judgment, cs. (dh) Modified on 10/28/1999 (Entered: 10/28/1999)

PACER
28 Oct. 25, 1999

Document filed by defendant Sears, Roebuck & Co. titled: Defendant's Supplement To Its Motion For Summary Judgment, cs. w/attachments. (dh) Modified on 10/28/1999 (Entered: 10/28/1999)

PACER
Oct. 28, 1999

Motion(s) submitted: [15-1] motion for summary judgment submitted. CASE FILE TO JUDGE HOWARD FOR CONSIDERATION. (dh) (Entered: 10/28/1999)

PACER
29 Oct. 29, 1999

Order granting [26-1] motion to exceed the ten page limit imposed on replies signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. cys served by mail. Telephoned counsel. (dh) Modified on 10/29/1999 (Entered: 10/29/1999)

PACER
Dec. 8, 1999

Pre-trial conference set at 1/20/00 before USMJ Louise W. Flanagan at courthouse annex. (dh) (Entered: 12/09/1999)

PACER
Dec. 8, 1999

Jury trial set at 2/7/00 before Judge Malcolm J. Howard in G'ville. (dh) (Entered: 12/09/1999)

PACER
28 Jan. 18, 2000

Faxed Motion by Francisco G. Santana to continue pretrial and trial , cs. cy to Judge Howard. Original to follow in the mail. (dh) (Entered: 01/19/2000)

PACER
29 Jan. 18, 2000

Order granting [28-1] motion to continue pretrial and trial, reset Jury trial before Judge Malcolm J. Howard for 3/6/00 in G'ville The clerk is directed to reset the pretrial accordingly. cys served by mail. Telephoned counsel. signed by Malcolm J. Howard, US Judge. (dh) (Entered: 01/19/2000)

PACER
30 Jan. 31, 2000

Unopposed Motion by Sears, Roebuck & Co. for a date certain for trial . w/cs. Cy. to Judge Howard w/po. (ll) (Entered: 01/31/2000)

PACER
31 Feb. 3, 2000

(**VACATED - SEE #43 ORDER OF 5/31/01**) Order mooting [30-1] motion for a date certain for trial, granting [15-1] motion for summary judgment. The court grants defendant's motion for summary judgment. The clerk is directed to close this case. cys served. signed by Maclcolm J. Howard, US Judge. OB Ref: CIV OB# 62, P-104. (dh) Modified on 05/31/2001 (Entered: 02/03/2000)

PACER
32 Feb. 3, 2000

(**VACATED ON 5/31/01 - SEE #43 ORDER) Judgment for Sears, Roebuck & Co. against Francisco G. Santana, EEOC. IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED defendant's motion for summary judgment is granted and this case is closed. cys served. signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. OB Ref: CIV OB# 62, P-105 (dh) Modified on 05/31/2001 (Entered: 02/03/2000)

PACER
Feb. 3, 2000

Case closed. Non-Permanent. (dh) (Entered: 02/03/2000)

PACER
33 Feb. 14, 2000

Bill of costs from defendants in the amount of $4,075.89, w/attachments. (dh) (Entered: 03/03/2000)

PACER
March 3, 2000

Bill of Costs submitted to Clerk for consideration. (dh) (Entered: 03/03/2000)

PACER
35 March 31, 2000

Notice of appeal by EEOC (rp) (Entered: 04/24/2000)

PACER
March 31, 2000

Case file to appeal clerk. (ja) (Entered: 03/31/2000)

PACER
36 April 4, 2000

Notice of appeal by Francisco G. Santana (rp) (Entered: 04/24/2000)

PACER
April 7, 2000

USCA appeal fees received: APPEAL FEE $ 105.00 RECEIPT # 37186 (rp) (Entered: 04/24/2000)

PACER
34 April 12, 2000

Order granting in part, denying in part [33-1] Bill of Costs. The defendant is ALLOWED $2,931.55 in court reporting fees, $80.00 in witness fees, and $394.50 copy fees for a total award of $3,406.05. signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. OB Ref: CIV OB #63, p. 80. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 04/12/2000)

PACER
April 24, 2000

Notice of Appellate Action to USCA and counsel re: [36-1] appeal by Francisco G. Santana, [35-1] appeal by EEOC Appeal Pkg. mailed consisting of Dkting Statement, Transm. Sheet and Index (rp) (Entered: 04/24/2000)

PACER
37 May 1, 2000

Order THE COURT CONSOLIDATES THESE CASES FOR PURPOSES OF BRIEFING AND ORAL ARGUMENT signed by Patricia S. Connor. (rp) (Entered: 05/01/2000)

PACER
June 14, 2000

Certificate to USCA and counsel re: [36-1] appeal, [35-1] appeal certifying that the record in this case is complete for purposes of the appeal. Cy. to Judge (rp) (Entered: 06/14/2000)

PACER
Dec. 12, 2000

24 HOUR RECORD Transmitted record on appeal to U.S. Court of Appeals: [36-1] appeal by Francisco G. Santana, [35-1] appeal by EEOC (rp) (Entered: 12/12/2000)

PACER
39 March 20, 2001

Opinion from USCA Re: [36-1] appeal, [35-1] appeal - REVERSED AND REMANDED (rp) (Entered: 03/20/2001)

PACER
May 2, 2001

THE MANDATE IN THIS CASE WILL NOT ISSUE AT THE SCHEDULED TIME BECAUSE A TIMELY PETITION FOR REHEARING HAS BEEN FILED AND A TIMELY PETITION FOR REHEARING EN BANC HAS BEEN FILED (rp) (Entered: 05/02/2001)

PACER
May 14, 2001

Record on appeal returned from U.S. Court of Appeals: [36-1] appeal by Francisco G. Santana, [35-1] appeal by EEOC (rp) (Entered: 05/14/2001)

PACER
40 May 15, 2001

Order IT IS ORDERED THAT THE PETITION FOR REHEARING AND REHEARING EN BANC IS DENIED signed by Patricia S. Connor. (rp) (Entered: 05/15/2001)

PACER
41 May 24, 2001

Certified copy of judgment of USCA Re: [36-1] appeal, [35-1] appeal - THE COURT REVERSED AND REMANDED THE JUDGMENT OF THE DISTRICT COURT (rp) (Entered: 05/24/2001)

PACER
42 May 24, 2001

Order THE COURT AWARDS EEOC $578 IN COSTS signed by Patricia S. Connor. (rp) (Entered: 05/24/2001)

PACER
May 24, 2001

**Remove appeal flag - no further appeals pending (rp) (Entered: 05/24/2001)

PACER
May 29, 2001

Case submitted to: Judge Howard [41-1] submitted. CASE FILE TO JUDGE HOWARD FOR CONSIDERATION. (dh) (Entered: 05/29/2001)

PACER
43 May 31, 2001

Order - In accordance with the order of the Fourth Circuit, this court's February 3, 2000 is hereby vacated; vacating [31-1] order , set Jury trial before Judge Malcolm J. Howard for 10:00 a.m. on 8/20/01 in Greenville. signed by Malcolm J. Howard, USDJ. OB Ref: CIV OB #66, p. 96. Cys. served. Cal. cy. (ll) Modified on 05/31/2001 (Entered: 05/31/2001)

PACER
May 31, 2001

Case reopened. (ll) (Entered: 05/31/2001)

PACER
June 21, 2001

Pre-trial conference set at 9:30 8/7/01 before USMJ Louise W. Flanagan at courthouse annex. (dh) (Entered: 06/21/2001)

PACER
June 21, 2001

Jury trial set at 10:00 8/20/01 before Judge Malcolm J. Howard in G'ville. (dh) (Entered: 06/21/2001)

PACER
44 July 9, 2001

Motion by Amy K. Reynolds co-counsel for deft. Sears, Roebuck & Co. to withdraw as counsel of record , cs. (response due 8/1/01) (dh) (Entered: 07/11/2001)

PACER
45 July 16, 2001

Joint motion by EEOC, Francisco G. Santana, Sears, Roebuck & Co. to continue pretrial and trial , cs. cy to Judge Howard. (dh) (Entered: 07/17/2001)

PACER
46 July 17, 2001

Order granting [45-1] joint motion to continue pretrial and trial, reset Jury trial before Judge Malcolm J. Howard for 10/15/01 The clerk shall reschedule pretrial accordingly. ccys served. calendar copy. signed by Malcolm J. Howard, US Judge. (dh) (Entered: 07/17/2001)

PACER
47 July 23, 2001

Notice of attorney appearance for Sears, Roebuck & Co. by Stephen D. Dellinger. w/cs. (ll) (Entered: 07/24/2001)

PACER
48 Aug. 8, 2001

Document filed by plaintiff Francisco G. Santana titled: Objections To Defendant's Request For Admission, cs. (dh) (Entered: 08/09/2001)

PACER
Aug. 8, 2001

Motion(s) referred: referred [44-1] motion to withdraw as counsel of record to USMJ William A. Webb. CASE FILE TO USMJ WEBB FOR CONSIDERATION. (dh) (Entered: 08/08/2001)

PACER
Aug. 8, 2001

(dh) (Entered: 08/08/2001)

PACER
49 Aug. 13, 2001

Order Reassigning Magistrate Judge - The magistrate judge designation shall be changed to the Honorable Louise W. Flanagan. The Honorable Malcolm J. Howard shall remain as the presiding district judge. All future pleadings should reflect the revised case number of: 4:98-CV-136-H4. signed by David W. Daniel, Clerk. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 08/13/2001)

PACER
Aug. 13, 2001

Pre-trial conference set at 10:00 10/3/01 before USMJ Louise W. Flanagan at courthouse annex. (dh) (Entered: 08/13/2001)

PACER
Aug. 13, 2001

Jury trial set at 10:00 a.m. on 10/16/01 before Judge Malcolm J. Howard in G'ville. (dh) (Entered: 08/13/2001)

PACER
Aug. 13, 2001

(ll) (Entered: 08/13/2001)

PACER
Aug. 13, 2001

Motion(s) referred: referred [44-1] motion to withdraw as counsel of record to USMJ Louise W. Flanagan. Case file to USMJ Flanagan for consideration. (ll) (Entered: 08/13/2001)

PACER
50 Aug. 17, 2001

Order granting [44-1] motion to withdraw as counsel of record, for Amy K. Reynolds to withdraw as attorney (Terminated attorney Amy K. Reynolds for Sears, Roebuck & Co. signed by Louise W. Flanagan, USMJ. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 08/17/2001)

PACER
51 Sept. 4, 2001

Stipulation of dismissal by plaintiff/intervenor Santana and Sears, Roebuck and Co. - stipulate that Plaintiff Santana dismisses with prejudice his individual claims against Sears, Roebuck and Co. Further, Santana dismisses with prejudice all claims for damages against Sear, Roebuck and Co., including but not limited to all claims for backpay, past and/or future pecuniary losses, past and/or future nonpecuniary losses, compensatory damages, emotional pain and suffering damages and/or punitive damages. (dh) (Entered: 09/05/2001)

PACER
Sept. 28, 2001

Case submitted to: Louise W. Flanagan, USMJ [0-0] pre-trial conference scheduled for 10/3/01. (ll) (Entered: 09/28/2001)

PACER
Oct. 1, 2001

Telephoned counsel and advised there was no need for counsel to come to the Pretrial Conf. on 10/3/01 since the parties have submitted a proposed Consent Decree. (ll) (Entered: 10/01/2001)

PACER
Oct. 1, 2001

Case submitted to: Judge Howard for consideration of proposed Consent Decree submitted by parties. (ll) (Entered: 10/01/2001)

PACER
52 Oct. 10, 2001

Consent (Decree) judgment for EEOC against Sears, Roebuck & Co. (See document for terms of decree.) signed by Malcolm J. Howard, USDJ. OB Ref: CIV OB #67, p. 58. Cys. served. (ll) (Entered: 10/10/2001)

PACER
Oct. 10, 2001

Case closed. Permanent. (ll) (Entered: 10/10/2001)

PACER

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: Sept. 16, 1998

Closing Date: 2000

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The EEOC filing on behalf of a naturalized Mexican immigrant, who later intervened in the case

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of North Carolina 4:98-cv-00136

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 00-01507

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Monitoring

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Order Duration: 2000 - 2001

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Hiring

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Indian

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

Recommended Citation