Case: EEOC v. THE COOPER AEROBICS CENTER, THE COOPER INSTITUTE

3:97-cv-01690 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Filed Date: July 15, 1997

Closed Date: Oct. 30, 1998

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The Dallas District Office of the EEOC brought this suit against The Cooper Aerobics Center, and various similar entities, in July of 1997, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The suit was brought by the EEOC for alleged harassment under Title VII and for retaliation for a complaint under Title VII. The complainant intervened in the suit. Ultimately after a 5 day trial the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs on the retaliation claim. However, the court dis…

The Dallas District Office of the EEOC brought this suit against The Cooper Aerobics Center, and various similar entities, in July of 1997, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The suit was brought by the EEOC for alleged harassment under Title VII and for retaliation for a complaint under Title VII. The complainant intervened in the suit. Ultimately after a 5 day trial the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs on the retaliation claim. However, the court dismissed the Title VII harassment claim.

Both sides continued to fight over the amount of damages to award for 5 months after the jury returned its verdict. Ultimately, after court ordered mediation the court entered its final judgment to the tune of $148,108.15. Of this money the complainant receives $115,098.15, while the remainder is set aside for attorneys fees. Ultimately the court refused to grant an injunction or demand that the defendants reinstate the complainant.

Summary Authors

Alex Bean (6/1/2007)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/10778845/parties/eeoc-v-cooper-aerobics-cntr/


Judge(s)

Boyle, Jane J. (Texas)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Jr, Robert A (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Luxen, Robert E (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Abrams, Hesha (Texas)

Maness, Wesly Carl (Texas)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

3:97-cv-01690

Docket (PACER)

March 17, 1999

March 17, 1999

Docket
24

3:97-cv-01690

Order

March 18, 1998

March 18, 1998

Order/Opinion
33

3:97-cv-01690

Order

April 17, 1998

April 17, 1998

Order/Opinion

3:97-cv-01690

Order on Plaintiff's Motion in Limine

May 18, 1998

May 18, 1998

Order/Opinion

3:97-cv-01690

Order on Defendant's Motion in Limine

May 18, 1998

May 18, 1998

Order/Opinion
80

3:97-cv-01690

Final Judgment

Oct. 30, 1998

Oct. 30, 1998

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/10778845/eeoc-v-cooper-aerobics-cntr/

Last updated March 24, 2026, 5:12 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 July 15, 1997

DEMAND for jury trial by plaintiff EEOC (jas) (Entered: 07/15/1997)

RECAP
2 July 15, 1997

SUMMONS(ES) issued for defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (issued-3) (jas) (Entered: 07/15/1997)

RECAP
July 15, 1997

PRELIMINARY ASSIGNMENT TO Magistrate Judge Jane J Boyle (jas)

3 July 24, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed by delivering to Robert E Luxen, esq. as to defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr 7/18/97 Answer due on 8/7/97 for Cooper Aerobics Cntr (2) (jas) (Entered: 07/24/1997)

RECAP
4 July 24, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed by delivering to Robert E Luxen, esq. as to defendant Cooper Institute For 7/18/97 Answer due on 8/7/97 for Cooper Institute For (2) (jas) (Entered: 07/24/1997)

RECAP
5 July 24, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed by delivering to Robert E Luxen, esq. as to defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr 7/18/97 Answer due on 8/7/97 for Cooper Aerobic Entr (2) (jas) (Entered: 07/24/1997)

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6 Aug. 7, 1997

ANSWER to Complaint by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (Attorney Robert E Luxen, Brett Lee Myers),; jury demand (4) (jas) (Entered: 08/08/1997)

RECAP
7 Aug. 8, 1997

STATUS REPORT ORDER. The joint status report shall be filed within 21 days of the date of this Order (signed by Judge Sanders) Copies to counsel: 8/8/97 Page(s): 2 (jas) (Entered: 08/08/1997)

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8 Aug. 29, 1997

Joint STATUS REPORT by plaintiff EEOC, defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (7) (jas) (Entered: 08/29/1997)

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9 Aug. 29, 1997

ORDER REASSIGNING CASE to Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle ( signed by Judge Sanders) Copies to counsel: 9/2/97 Page(s): 1 (jas) (Entered: 09/11/1997)

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Aug. 29, 1997

CASE NO LONGER REFERRED TO Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle (jas)

Aug. 29, 1997

PRELIMINARY ASSIGNMENT TO Magistrate Judge Jane J Boyle (jas)

10 Sept. 23, 1997

ORDER referring case to ADR; Type of ADR: mediation Requested by: court, by no later than 3/31/98 (Signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 9/24/97 Page(s): 5 (jas) (Entered: 09/24/1997)

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11 Dec. 2, 1997

MOTION with memorandum in support by plaintiff EEOC to quash dft's notice of depositions (3) (jas) (Entered: 12/03/1997)

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12 Dec. 8, 1997

NOTICE of Withdrawal and substitution of counsel, Chrys Meador by plaintiff EEOC (2) (jas) (Entered: 12/09/1997)

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13 Jan. 15, 1998

Memorandum received from the Office of Magistrate Boyle: The parties have reached an agreement on pla's Motion to Quash filed 12/2/97. Please terminate the motion (1) (jas) (Entered: 01/16/1998)

RECAP
Jan. 15, 1998

Motion(s) no longer referred: [11-1] motion to quash dft's notice of depositions (jas)

14 Jan. 22, 1998

MOTION to intervene by movant Karen C Austen and attached origianl complaint (9) (jas) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

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15 Jan. 23, 1998

Certificate of Written deposition by Custodian of Records for Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer (1) (jas) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

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16 Jan. 27, 1998

ORDER all responses to Karen C. Austen's Motion to Intervene and Attached Original Complaint must be filed no later than 20 days from the date the motion was filed. (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 1/27/98 Page(s) 1 (jas) (Entered: 01/27/1998)

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17 Feb. 2, 1998

Received certificate of depo by written questions for Custodian of records for Dallas County Community College (1) (jas) (Entered: 02/03/1998)

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18 Feb. 9, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr in opposition to [14-1] motion to intervene by movant Karen C Austen (15+) (jas) (Entered: 02/10/1998)

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19 Feb. 13, 1998

MOTION by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr for summary judgment (15+) (USC) (jas) (Entered: 02/17/1998)

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20 Feb. 13, 1998

MEMORANDUM by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr in support of [19-1] motion for summary judgment (15+) (jas) (Entered: 02/18/1998)

RECAP
21 Feb. 27, 1998

Certificate of deposition by written questions of Howard R Fallon, Custodian of Records for Dr. Milo Benningfield (1) (jas) (Entered: 02/27/1998)

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22 March 9, 1998

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to [19-1] motion for summary judgment (15+) (jas) Modified on 03/11/1998 (Entered: 03/10/1998)

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23 March 16, 1998

Supplemental RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to [19-1] motion for summary judgment (8) (jas) (Entered: 03/16/1998)

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24 March 18, 1998

ORDER granting [14-1] motion to intervene by movant Karen C Austen (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 3/18/98 Page(s) 2 (jas) (Entered: 03/18/1998)

RECAP
25 March 25, 1998

Unopposed MOTION by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr to extend time to file sum jgm reply brief (4) (jas) (Entered: 03/25/1998)

RECAP
26 March 25, 1998

MOTION by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr for reconsideration of [24-1] order granting leave to intervene (3) (jas) (Entered: 03/26/1998)

RECAP
27 March 27, 1998

ORDER granting [25-1] motion to extend time to file sum jgm reply brief Reply to Response to Motion reset to 3/30/98 for [19-1] motion for summary judgment ( signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 3/27/98 Page(s) 1 (jas) (Entered: 03/27/1998)

RECAP
28 March 30, 1998

REPLY by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr to response to [19-1] motion for summary judgment (13) (jas) (Entered: 03/31/1998)

RECAP
29 April 2, 1998

ORDER Response to [26-1] motion for reconsideration of [24-1] order granting leave to intervene due within 10 days from the date of this Order for intervenor Karen C Austen ( signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 4/3/98 Page(s) 2 (jas) (Entered: 04/03/1998)

RECAP
30 April 9, 1998

RESPONSE by movant Karen C Austen to [26-1] motion for reconsideration of [24-1] order granting leave to intervene (9) (alh) (Entered: 04/10/1998)

RECAP
31 April 15, 1998

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER granting in part, denying in part [19-1] motion for summary judgment...see order for specifics. ( signed by JJB) Copies to counsel: 4/16/98 Page(s): 17 (jrb) (Entered: 04/16/1998)

RECAP
32 April 16, 1998

REPLY by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr to response to [26-1] motion for reconsideration of [24-1] order granting leave to intervene (10) (jas) (Entered: 04/17/1998)

RECAP
33 April 17, 1998

ORDER denying [26-1] motion for reconsideration of [24-1] order granting leave to intervene (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 4/17/98 Page(s) 5 (jas) (Entered: 04/17/1998)

RECAP
34 April 20, 1998

Proposed issues and jury instructions by plaintiff EEOC (12) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

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35 April 20, 1998

Proposed voir dire questions by plaintiff EEOC (3) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

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36 April 20, 1998

Witness list by plaintiff EEOC (3) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

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37 April 20, 1998

Exhibit list by plaintiff EEOC (3) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

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38 April 20, 1998

Exhibit list/witness list by movant Karen C Austen (5) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

RECAP
39 April 20, 1998

Proposed voir dire questions by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (3) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

RECAP
40 April 20, 1998

Witness list by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr, movant Karen C Austen (8) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

RECAP
41 April 20, 1998

Exhibit list by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (4) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

RECAP
42 April 20, 1998

Proposed issues and jury instructions by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (15+) (jas) (Entered: 04/21/1998)

RECAP
43 May 1, 1998

ORDER reset pretrial conference for 2:00 5/15/98 ( signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 5/4/98 Page(s) 1 (jas) (Entered: 05/04/1998)

RECAP
44 May 4, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Institute For in opposition to [38-1] witness list, [36-1] witness list (5) (jas) (Entered: 05/05/1998)

RECAP
45 May 4, 1998

Objections/RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Institute For in opposition to selected exhibits offered in [38-1] exhibits list, [37-1] exhibits list (4) (jas) (Entered: 05/05/1998)

RECAP
46 May 5, 1998

Amended Witness list by plaintiff EEOC (4) (jas) (Entered: 05/06/1998)

RECAP
47 May 7, 1998

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC in limine (3) (jas) (Entered: 05/07/1998)

RECAP
48 May 11, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by defendant Cooper Institute For in limine (13) (jas) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

RECAP
49 May 12, 1998

Supplemental MOTION -supplemental-in limine by defendant Cooper Institute For referring to [48-1] motion in limine (3) (jas) (Entered: 05/13/1998)

RECAP
50 May 14, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Institute For to [47-1] motion in limine (3) (jas) (Entered: 05/15/1998)

RECAP
52 May 15, 1998

Minute order:Pretrial conference Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic (1) (jas) (Entered: 05/18/1998)

RECAP
May 15, 1998

Pre-trial conference held before Magistrate Boyle. (jas)

51 May 18, 1998

Preadmitted Exhibit list by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr, defendant Cooper Institute For, defendant Cooper Aerobic Entr (5) (jas) (Entered: 05/18/1998)

RECAP
53 May 18, 1998

ORDER granting in part, denying in part [47-1] motion in limine, see Order for specifics. (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 5/18/98 Page(s) 2 (jas) (Entered: 05/18/1998)

RECAP
54 May 18, 1998

ORDER granting [49-1] supplemental motion -supplemental-in limine, granting [48-1] motion in limine (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 5/18/98 Page(s) 3 (jas) (Entered: 05/18/1998)

RECAP
55 May 18, 1998

Jury roll (7) (jas) (Entered: 05/19/1998)

RECAP
56 May 18, 1998

Joint PRETRIAL ORDER filed Copies to counsel: 5/18/98 Page(s): 21 (jas) (Entered: 05/19/1998)

RECAP
57 May 18, 1998

Minute order: First day of jury trial Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic; continued to 5/19/98 at 8:30 (1) (jas) (Entered: 05/19/1998)

RECAP
May 18, 1998

First day of Jury trial held before Magistrate Boyle. (jas)

58 May 19, 1998

Minute order: Second day of jury trial Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic; will continue 5/20/98 at 8:30 (1) (jas) Modified on 05/21/1998 (Entered: 05/20/1998)

RECAP
May 19, 1998

Second day of Jury trial held before Magistrate Boyle. (jas)

59 May 20, 1998

Minute order: Third day of jury trial Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic; continued to 5/21/98 at 8:30 (1) (jas) (Entered: 05/21/1998)

RECAP
May 20, 1998

Third day of Jury trial held before Magistrate Boyle (jas)

60 May 21, 1998

First Supplemental Requested/Proposed issues and jury instructions by defendant Cooper Institute For (3) (jas) (Entered: 05/22/1998)

RECAP
61 May 21, 1998

Second Supplemental Requested/Proposed issues and jury instructions by defendant Cooper Institute For (3) (jas) (Entered: 05/22/1998)

RECAP
62 May 21, 1998

Minute order: Fourth day of jury trial Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic; continued to 5/22/98 at 8:30 (1) (jas) (Entered: 05/22/1998)

RECAP
May 21, 1998

Fourth Day of Jury trial held before Magistrate Boyle. (jas)

63 May 22, 1998

Minute order: Fifth day of jury trial Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle Court Reporter: electronic; jury returns with verdict for pla (1) (jas) (Entered: 05/26/1998)

RECAP
64 May 22, 1998

JURY VERDICT for plaintiff EEOC (18) (jas) (Entered: 05/26/1998)

RECAP
May 22, 1998

Fifth day of Jury trial held before Magistrate Boyle. (jas)

65 July 20, 1998

MOTION by movant Karen C Austen for attorney fees (15+) (jas) (Entered: 07/21/1998)

RECAP
66 July 20, 1998

STATUS REPORT by plaintiff EEOC, movant Karen C Austen (3) (jas) (Entered: 07/21/1998)

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67 July 20, 1998

JOINT MOTION to enter final jgm by plaintiff EEOC, movant Karen C Austen (3) (jas) (Entered: 07/21/1998)

RECAP
68 July 28, 1998

ORDER Response to motion reset to 8/10/98 for [65-1] motion for attorney fees The parties will file a proposed jgm by 8/31/98 and objections to the proposed jgm no later than 9/21/98. (signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 7/28/98 Page(s) 2 (jas) (Entered: 07/28/1998)

RECAP
69 Aug. 10, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Institute For to [65-1] motion for attorney fees (15+) (cxj) (Entered: 08/11/1998)

RECAP
70 Aug. 18, 1998

REPLY by movant Karen C Austen to response to [65-1] motion for attorney fees (7) (jas) (Entered: 08/18/1998)

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71 Aug. 31, 1998

Response/REPLY by movant Karen C Austen to response to [65-1] motion for attorney fees (10) (jas) (Entered: 09/01/1998)

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72 Aug. 31, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of Robert Evertte Wolin by movant Karen C Austen Re: [65-1] motion for attorney fees (14) (jas) (Entered: 09/01/1998)

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73 Aug. 31, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of Chrys Meador by movant Karen C Austen Re: [65-1] motion for attorney fees (2) (jas) (Entered: 09/01/1998)

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74 Aug. 31, 1998

Supplemental AFFIDAVIT of Alice Kupler Barnett by movant Karen C Austen Re: [65-1] motion for attorney fees (4) (jas) (Entered: 09/01/1998)

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75 Aug. 31, 1998

Proposed Jgm and Objections/RESPONSE by defendant Cooper Institute in opposition to pla's and intervenor's proposed final jgm (15+) (jas) (Entered: 09/01/1998)

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76 Sept. 8, 1998

Reply/ RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC in opposition to [75-1] dft's proposed jgm and objections to pla's and intervenors' proposed final jgm (9) (jas) (Entered: 09/09/1998)

RECAP
77 Sept. 16, 1998

ORDER referring case to ADR; Hesha Abrams ADR provider; Type of ADR: Mediation Requested by: Court ( Signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 9/17/98 Page(s): 2 (jas) (Entered: 09/17/1998)

RECAP
78 Oct. 23, 1998

Submission of evidence re: damages by defendant Cooper Aerobics Cntr (15+) (jas) (Entered: 10/26/1998)

RECAP
79 Oct. 27, 1998

Minute order: Motion hearing Held before Magistrate Judge Jane J. Boyle re: pla's mtn for atty's fees filed 7/20/98 Court Reporter: electronic; pla to prepare order (1) (jas) (Entered: 10/28/1998)

RECAP
80 Oct. 30, 1998

Final JUDGMENT for plaintiff EEOC, movant Karen C Austen against defendant Cooper Institute For; Austen to receive $15,098.15 for back pay; $21,350.00 for compensatory damages; $78,650.00 for punitive damages; reasonable attorneys' fees and pre-jgm interest at 6.0% and post jgm interest at 10% and all costs of court; see jgm for specifics. (signed by Magistrte Boyle) Copies to counsel: 10/30/98 Page(s): 4 (jas) (Entered: 10/30/1998)

RECAP
Oct. 30, 1998

Case closed (jas)

81 Nov. 16, 1998

MOTION by defendant Cooper Institute For for new trial (10) (jas) (Entered: 11/17/1998)

RECAP
82 Nov. 16, 1998

Renewed MOTION by defendant Cooper Institute For for Judgment as a Matter of Law (15) (jas) (Entered: 11/17/1998)

RECAP
83 Dec. 4, 1998

ORDER denying [82-1] motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law, denying [81-1] motion for new trial ( signed by Magistrate Boyle) Copies to counsel: 12/4/98 Page(s) 2 (jas) (Entered: 12/04/1998)

RECAP
84 Dec. 7, 1998

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to [82-1] motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law, [81-1] motion for new trial (8) (jas) (Entered: 12/07/1998)

RECAP
85 Jan. 4, 1999

NOTICE OF APPEAL by defendant Cooper Institute For from the judgment entered in this action 12/4/98. No fee paid; TOOC cc: Judge (2) (jas) (Entered: 01/05/1999)

RECAP
Jan. 4, 1999

Notice of appeal and certified copy of docket to USCA: [85-1] appeal (jas)

Jan. 6, 1999

USCA appeal fees received reciept # 300 108245 $ 105.00 [85-1] appeal (1) (akk)

Jan. 11, 1999

USCA Case Number, 99-10016 Re: [85-1] appeal (1) (akk)

86 Jan. 20, 1999

Alternative Dispute Resolution Summary. Filed by ADR Provider Hesha Abrams . Attorneys in attendance Hesha Abrams, Andrew Monroe Trusevich, Robert E Luxen, Steven B Thorpe . Prv Fee: $ 2,500.00 Disposition: Settled (1) (jas) (Entered: 01/21/1999)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Texas

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 15, 1997

Closing Date: Oct. 30, 1998

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

Cooper Aerobic Enterprises

The Cooper Aerobics Center

The Cooper Aerobics Center

The Cooper Institute For Aerobics

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Texas 3:97-cv-01690

Available Documents:

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Amount Defendant Pays: 148108.15

Issues

General/Misc.:

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination Basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

Recommended Citation