Case: EEOC v. Ethan Allen, Inc.

1:99-cv-02329 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio

Filed Date: Sept. 28, 1999

Closed Date: May 1, 2005

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The Cleveland office of the EEOC brought this suit against Ethan Allen Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in September 1999. The complaint alleged retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC's case was consolidated with another private party case in March 2000. The defendant moved for partial summary judgment, which was never resolved. The parties settled in March 2003, and they entered into a consent decree one month later. The decree required the defendant to give neutral references to the complainants; post and distribute notice; allow the EEOC to inspect upon notice; and submit semiannual reports to the EEOC.

Summary Authors

Kevin Wilemon (8/6/2008)

Related Cases

Mora v. Ethan Allen, Inc., Northern District of Ohio (2000)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11614845/parties/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-ethan-allen-inc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Armstrong, Lester W. (Ohio)

Bossin, Kenneth A. (Ohio)

Gilbert, Terry H. (Ohio)

Harris, Stephen B. (Ohio)

Harrold, Linda H. (Ohio)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:99-cv-02329

Docket

Aug. 1, 2002

Aug. 1, 2002

Docket

1:99-cv-02329

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. Ethan Allen, Inc.

Sept. 6, 2004

Sept. 6, 2004

Docket
108

1:99-cv-02329

Consent Decree

May 1, 2003

May 1, 2003

Settlement Agreement

Student Memo on Consolidation

EEOC v. Ethan Allen

No Court

May 21, 2008

May 21, 2008

Other

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11614845/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-ethan-allen-inc/

Last updated March 22, 2026, 4:10 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
59 Aug. 9, 2002

Notice of Placement of case in the CM/ECF Docketing System. (M, EJ) (Entered: 08/09/2002)

RECAP
60 Oct. 2, 2002

Unopposed Motion for order of Disclosure of Investigative Files filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support)(Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 10/02/2002)

RECAP
61 Oct. 2, 2002

Trial Order; with Pre-Trial Conference set for 2/12/2003 at 12:30 PM in Chambers 16A, Jury Trial set for 2/24/2003 at 9:00 a.m.; with attached timeline of obligations; Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley(R, N) (Entered: 10/03/2002)

RECAP
62 Oct. 2, 2002

Minutes of telephone status hearing; setting trial date; Mr. Pelsozy may schedule a 2 hour deposition of Ms. Formasano; Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley (R, N) (Entered: 10/03/2002)

RECAP
Oct. 10, 2002

Order (non-document) signed on 10/10/2002 Granting plaintiff's Motion for order of disclosure of investigative files (Related Doc # 60 ). Kathleen M. O'Malley (H, C)

63 Jan. 2, 2003

Motion in limine regarding expert testimony filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Deposition of Albert H. Lyter III, Ph.D.)(Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/02/2003)

RECAP
64 Jan. 3, 2003

Deposition Excerpt of Erich J. Speckin taken on 2/07/02 by plaintiff (Related document # 63 ) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (H, D) Modified on 3/6/2003 (H, D). Modified text on 3/7/2003 (L, T). (Entered: 01/06/2003)

RECAP
65 Jan. 10, 2003

Opposition (Related Motion(s) 63 ) to EEOC's Motion in Limine filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Erich Speckin# 2 Notice of Manual Filing)(Harrold, Linda) (Entered: 01/10/2003)

RECAP
66 Jan. 14, 2003

Notice of Filing Signed Original filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Related document # 65 ) (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Erich Speckin)(Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 1/15/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/14/2003)

RECAP
67 Jan. 15, 2003

Notice of filing deposition transcripts of Erich J. Speckin and Albert H. Lyter filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (C, K A) Modified text of docket entry on 1/17/2003 (B, B). (Entered: 01/16/2003)

RECAP
68 Jan. 15, 2003

Deposition of Erich J. Speckin taken on 2/7/02 filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (C, K A) (Entered: 01/16/2003)

RECAP
69 Jan. 15, 2003

Deposition of Albert H. Lyter taken on 2/7/02 filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (C, K A) (Entered: 01/16/2003)

RECAP
70 Jan. 21, 2003

Notice of Supplemental Manual Filing (Related document # 69 ) filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Harrold, Linda) Modified on 1/21/2003: Supplemental Filings: EEOC's Disclosure of Expert Testimony; Deposition (Volume II) of Albert H. Lyter, III, Ph.D.; Third Supplemental Report of Laboratory Examination, Received & Filed on 1/21/03 (62 pages - Complete Document on File in Clerk's Office) (M, J A). Modified on 1/23/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/21/2003)

RECAP
71 Jan. 22, 2003

Witness List of Defendant Ethan Allen, Inc. filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Harrold, Linda) Modified on 1/23/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/22/2003)

RECAP
72 Jan. 22, 2003

Exhibit List of Defendant Ethan Allen, Inc. filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (Harrold, Linda) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

RECAP
73 Jan. 22, 2003

Reply (Related Motion(s) 63 ) Reply Memorandum filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Lyter Declaration# 2 Stewart Declaration# 3 2002 WL 1341762 extract)(Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

RECAP
74 Jan. 22, 2003

Witness List and Exhibit List of Plaintiffs filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

RECAP
75 Jan. 23, 2003

Letter regarding Ethan Allen's request to reopen the Pobuda Deposition filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/23/2003)

RECAP
76 Jan. 29, 2003

Proposed Voir Dire filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
77 Jan. 29, 2003

Trial Brief filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
78 Jan. 29, 2003

Omnibus Motion in limine to exclude certain testimony and comments filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) Modified text on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
79 Jan. 29, 2003

Objections To Plaintiffs' Proposed Trial Exhibits filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Related document 74 ) (Harrold, Linda) Modified text, termed as Motion and email to attorney as to correct event selection on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
80 Jan. 29, 2003

Motion in limine to exclude certain testimony at trial filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Sporcich Depo Pages# 2 Mora Depo Pages)(Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
81 Jan. 29, 2003

Proposed Voir Dire Questions filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
82 Jan. 29, 2003

Trial Brief filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Carlisle# 2 Logan# 3 Grigaliunas)(Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
83 Jan. 29, 2003

Trial Brief filed by Mora and Sporcich. (Pelsozy, Dale) Modified text on 1/30/2003 (M, J A). (Entered: 01/29/2003)

RECAP
84 Jan. 30, 2003

First Motion in limine for an order prohibiting the introduction of certain issues, evidence and witnesses by Plaintiffs Mora And Sporcich filed by all parties. (Pelsozy, Dale) Modified on 1/31/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/30/2003)

RECAP
85 Jan. 31, 2003

Motion by John D. Sargent to withdraw as attorney filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Sargent, John) Modified on 2/3/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/31/2003)

RECAP
86 Jan. 31, 2003

Affidavit/Declaration Albert H. Lyter, III, Ph.D.(Signed Original of Attachment #1 to Doc.#73), (Related document # 73 ) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) Modified on 2/3/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/31/2003)

RECAP
87 Jan. 31, 2003

Affidavit/Declaration of Larry F. Stewart (Signed Original of Attachment#2 of Doc.#73), (Related document # 73 ) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) Modified on 2/3/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 01/31/2003)

RECAP
88 Feb. 5, 2003

Response (Related Motion(s) 78, 84 ) by Defendant Ethan Allen Inc. to Motions in Limine Filed by the EEOC, Mora and Sporcich filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 2/6/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/05/2003)

RECAP
89 Feb. 5, 2003

Response (Related Motion(s) 80 ) to Ethan Allen's Motion in Limine with attachments filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) Modified on 2/6/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/05/2003)

RECAP
90 Feb. 5, 2003

Opposition (Related Motion(s) 80 ) Brief to Ethan Allen's Motion in Limine filed by all plaintiffs. (Pelsozy, Dale) Modified text on 2/6/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/05/2003)

RECAP
Feb. 7, 2003

Order (non-document) signed on 2/7/2003 Granting plaintiff's Motion to withdraw attorney John D. Sargent (Related Doc # 85 ). Kathleen M. O'Malley (H, C)

91 Feb. 11, 2003

Proposed Jury Instructions Jury Instructions filed by Ethan Allen, Inc.. (Harrold, Linda) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
92 Feb. 11, 2003

Brief in Opposition to Ethan Allen's Objections to Exhibits (Related document # 79 ) filed by all defendants. (Pelsozy, Dale) Modified text on 2/12/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
93 Feb. 11, 2003

Notice of manually filing deposition transcripts, and response to Ethan Allen's objections to plaintiff's exhibits filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (H, D) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
94 Feb. 11, 2003

Response to defendant's objections to plaintiffs' proposed trial exhibits filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Related document(s) 79 ) (H, D) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
95 Feb. 11, 2003

Deposition of Cyrilla Jordan, taken on 7/10/2000 (Complete document on file in Clerk's office - 146 pages) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Related document(s) 93 ) (H, D) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
96 Feb. 11, 2003

Deposition of Peggy A. Pobuda, taken on 11/9/2000 (Complete document on file in Clerk's office - 210 pages) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Related document(s) 93 ) (H, D) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
97 Feb. 11, 2003

Deposition of Peggy A. Pobuda, taken on 1/29/2003 (Complete document on file in Clerk's office - 114 pages) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Related document(s) 93 ) (H, D) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

RECAP
101 Feb. 12, 2003

Minutes of proceedings before Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley. Final pretrial held 2/12/2003. Further final pretrial set on 2/21/2003 at 10:30 a.m. Court ruled on numerous pending motions as outlined herein and for the reasons set forth on the record. Court reporter: George Staiduhar. (H, C) (Entered: 02/18/2003)

RECAP
98 Feb. 13, 2003

Notice of Hearing. Final Pre-Trial Conference set for 2/21/2003 at 10:30 AM at Chambers 16A. (H, C) (Entered: 02/13/2003)

RECAP
99 Feb. 13, 2003

Notice of Amendment of Exhibit and Witness List of Defendant Ethen Allen Inc. filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Harrold, Linda) Modified text on 2/14/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/13/2003)

RECAP
100 Feb. 14, 2003

Second Amended Exhibit List by Defendant Ethan Allen Inc. filed by Ethan Allen, Inc. (Armstrong, Lester) Modified text on 2/18/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/14/2003)

RECAP
102 Feb. 19, 2003

Attorney Appearance by Lawrence Mays filed by Lawrence Mays on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Mays, Lawrence) Modified text on 2/20/2003 (H, D). (Entered: 02/19/2003)

RECAP
103 Feb. 25, 2003

NOTICE by the Court to counsel (via e mail) on 2/19/2003 re: Emanuele file. (H, C) (Entered: 02/25/2003)

RECAP
104 Feb. 28, 2003

Returned Mail; sent to Stephen Harris, returned with not deliverable as addressed. (Related documents(s) 98 ) (H, D) (Entered: 02/28/2003)

RECAP
105 March 28, 2003

Order closing this action; it shall be marked settled and dismissed, with prejudice, each party to bear its own cost; the Court retains jurisdiction to vacate this Order and reopen the action upon cause shown that settlement has not been completed and further litigation is necessary or to alter the terms of settlement and dismissal upon agreement of the parties. (Judge O'Malley) (M, J A) (Entered: 03/28/2003)

RECAP
106 April 15, 2003

Joint Motion for order to Approve and Enter A Consent Decree filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Stern, Jeffrey) (Entered: 04/15/2003)

RECAP
107 April 25, 2003

Memorandum & Order signed on 4/25/2003. Plaintiff EEOC's motion in limine seeking to exclude the testimony of Erich Speckin (Related Doc # 63) was previously GRANTED on the record at a pretrial conference. Joint Motion for order approving and entering a consent decree (Related Doc # 106 ) is GRANTED. Because of the importance of the issues raised in the motion in limine, and because the Court promised it would explain its reasoning, the Court herein provides an explanation of its conclusion regarding the admissibility of Mr. Speckin's expert testimony. Kathleen M. O'Malley (H, C) (Entered: 04/25/2003)

RECAP
108 May 1, 2003

Consent Decree & Order entered 5/1/2003. Kathleen M. O'Malley (H, C) (Entered: 05/05/2003)

Clearinghouse
109 Sept. 6, 2004

Motion to strike Motion of Koeth, Rice & Leo Co. to reveal settlement filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Pelsozy, Dale) Modified on 11/16/2004 (H, C). Motion termed; see Order filed 11/10/2004, doc 40 in 1:00CV380. (Entered: 09/06/2004)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Ohio

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 28, 1999

Closing Date: May 1, 2005

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

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

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

Ethan Allen, Inc.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Ohio 1:99-cv-02329

Northern District of Ohio 1:00-cv-00380

Available Documents:

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Monitoring

Neutral/Positive Reference

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Retaliation Prohibition

Order Duration: 2003 - 2005

Issues

General/Misc.:

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Demotion

Disparate Treatment

Promotion

Discrimination Basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Recommended Citation