MEMORANDUM OPINION
I. Introduction
Pending before the Court is a motion for summary judgment (ECF No. 24) filed by Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc., with respect to all claims asserted in Plaintiff Suzette M. Bumbarger’s amended complaint filed on July 2, 2014, (ECF No. 2). Plaintiffs amended complaint alleges claims for a hostile work environment, constructive discharge, wrongful failure to promote, and retaliation, under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq. (“Title VII”).
II. Jurisdiction and Venue
The Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs federal claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1343. Venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b).
III. Procedural and Factual Background
Defendant is a building materials supplier and highway contractor that operates quarries and blacktop and concrete-mix plans in Pennsylvania and performs highway construction and roadway paving pro
In her capacity as a traffic-control person, Plaintiff primarily worked with Mr. Stamm’s crew but also assisted other crews at times. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 65; 30 ¶ 65.) Mr. Stamm yelled when he was angry, and he used profanity and other foul language while on the job. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 111; 30 ¶¶ 111, 352; 33 ¶¶ 111, 352.) Plaintiff alleges, in part, that Mr. Stamm would use words such as “b-ch” and “c-t” directed at her, that he once pulled his pants down and mooned her in 2010 or 2011, that he yelled at her to “get in the f~ing truck,” and that, after a paint can was knocked over, said that “this is where the f~ing paint goes and if you do this again[,] you will be the first f-ing [flagger] that [Defendant] had.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 66; 30 ¶ 66; 33 ¶ 66.)
In 2011, Plaintiff and two of her coworkers shared their concerns regarding Mr. Stamm, including the mooning incident, with Billie Dick and Bob Flood, Sr., two of Defendant’s employees. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 68, 70-72; 30 ¶¶ 68, 70-72, 375; 33 ¶ 375.) In response, Mr. Flood advised Plaintiff to sign a Check of Facilities form to indicate that she had a complaint. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 72; 30 ¶ 72.) Plaintiff contends that she told Mr. Flood that she would not sign the form because Mr. Stamm was the individual who had given her the form, and she feared retaliation. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 73; 30 ¶ 73.) Plaintiff alleges, in part, that a few days later, Mr. Stamm screamed profanities at her, told her to “keep her f — ing mouth shut,” and told her that she could not go to the office because “that’s how people lose their job.” (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 75; 30 ¶¶ 75, 378-379; 33 ¶¶ 75, 378-379.) During the 2012 season, Mr. Stamm yelled at Plaintiff to “[t]ake off your f — ing glasses so you can see!” (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 368; 33 1368.)
On May 21, 2013, Employee Relations Manager Corey Reffner received a complaint from William Hutchinson, in which he complained that he was not called back to work, when Mr. Stamm had called other employees back to work, and stated that Mr. Stamm had previously yelled at him and said, “If you want to play games, I will play games.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 92, 330; 30 ¶¶ 92, 330.) Mr. Stamm also called Mr. Hutchinson names, such as “r-d.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 113; 30 ¶ 113.) Mr. Reffner designated the matter as an Avenues of Appeal complaint for which further investigation had been initiated and scheduled a .meeting with Mr. Stamm, Jim Miller, and Rick Emerick to address the allegations. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 331; 30 ¶ 331.)
On May 23, 2013, Plaintiff met with Mr. Mills to discuss Mr. Stamm. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 385; 33 ¶ 385.) At the end of the conversation, Mr. Mills stated that he would contact Mr. Stamm, discuss the matters, and get back in touch with Plaintiff. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 386; 33 ¶ 386.) Also on May 23, 2013, Mr. Reffner, Mr. Emerick, and Mr. Miller met with Mr. Stamm to investigate the
Thereafter, Mr. Stamm asked Plaintiff if she wanted to go to another crew, and she stated that that would be fine. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 76; 30 ¶¶ 76, 388; 33 ¶¶ 76, 388.) Plaintiff alleges that she and Mr. Stamm then got into a truck together, and he squeezed her shoulder, asking if they were okay. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 77; 30 ¶¶ 77, 388; 33 ¶¶ 77, 388.) According to Plaintiff, Mr. Stamm’s behavior calmed down after this incident but worsened after one or two weeks. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 78; 30 ¶ 78; 33 ¶ 78.) In June or July 2013, Plaintiff filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), complaining of a hostile work environment, disparate treatment, and a failure to promote. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 485; 33 ¶ 485.) Plaintiff later amended her complaint to add claims for wrongful termination and retaliation. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 486; 33 ¶ 486.)
On June 25, 2013, Plaintiff again contacted Mr. Mills regarding Mr. Stamm. (See, ECF No. 25 ¶ 87; 30 ¶87; 33 ¶87.) Mr. Mills mentioned the option of moving Plaintiff to another crew run by Carl Stamm, which was operating in Bigler, Pennsylvania. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 88; 30 ¶ 88.) Mr. Mills told Plaintiff to remain in her truck until he arrived at the job site. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 391; 33 ¶ 391.) After an inordinate amount of time passed, Plaintiff called Mr. Mills again, at which point he told Plaintiff to return to her home and to take some time off from work. (ECF No. 30 ¶ 392; 33 ¶ 392.) Plaintiff also spoke with Mr. Miller about her complaints regarding Mr. Stamm; Mr. Miller stated that he would speak with Mr. Stamm and get back to her that day. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 91; 30 ¶ 91.) After speaking with Mr. Miller, Plaintiff contacted Mr. Reffner and left him a message in which she stated that she would like to speak with him. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 92; 30 ¶ 92.) By the end of the day on June 25, 2013, Plaintiff had spoken with Mr. Mills, Ms. Dick, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Reffner. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 93; 30 ¶ 93.)
On June 26, 2013, Mr. Reffner returned Plaintiffs call, spoke with her about Mr. Stamm, and scheduled a meeting with Plaintiff for July 1, 2013. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 94; 30 ¶ 94; 33 ¶ 94.) During the call, Plaintiff stated that she did not want to work with Carl Stamm’s crew because she believed that he answered to Mr. Stamm. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 411; 33 ¶411.) Plaintiff and Mr. Reffner agreed that, in the meantime, Plaintiff should not report to work. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 397; 33 ¶ 397.) On July 1, 2013, Plaintiff met with Mr. Reffner and Mr. Miller to further discuss her complaints about Mr. Stamm and then completed, at least in part, an Avenues of Appeal Initial Review Form. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 96; 30 ¶ 96; 33 ¶ 96.)
After the meeting, Mr. Reffner spoke with Denise Speck, Tom Crain, Jr., Cheryl
When Mr. Reffner contacted Mr. Stamm, he was angry and stated that he would not participate in a meeting. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 147-148; 30 ¶¶ 147-148.) When Mr. Reffner and Mr. Stamm spoke on the telephone on July 3, 2013, Mr. Stamm stated that he was “not going to play with [Plaintiffs] p-y and make her happy like Charlie Taylor did.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 149, 151; 30 ¶¶ 149,151, 399-400; 33 ¶¶ 399-400.) Mr. Stamm also stated that “you guys hire these women and tell them to call you if they have a problem[,] and I’m tired of it. Whatever she said it [sic] what its [sic] going to be.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 150; 30 ¶ 150, 399-400; 33 ¶¶ 399-400.) Following their telephone conversation, Mr. Reffner told Mr. Stamm that he was required to participate in a meeting regarding Plaintiffs allegations and stated that he would prepare termination documents if Mr. Stamm did not report. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 155; 30 ¶ 155.)
Mr. Stamm participated in a meeting with Mr. Reffner on July 9, 2013. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 156; 30 ¶156; 33 ¶ 156.) During the meeting, Mr. Stamm stated, in part, that he could perform his job without swearing and that he could continue to work with Plaintiff. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 157; 30 ¶ 157; 33 ¶ 157.) Defendant and Mr. Stamm entered into a Last Chance Agreement on July 9, 2013. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 160; 30 ¶ 160.) Mr. Stamm was permitted to return to work and was not suspended for any period of time. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 162; 30 ¶ 162.) The same day, Mr. Reff-ner contacted Plaintiff and stated that the investigation did not substantiate the use of derogatory terms related to her sex but that he had issued appropriate discipline regarding the tone and profanity of Mr. Stamm’s language. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 164-165; 30 ¶¶ 164-165.)
On the following business day, July 12, 2013, Plaintiff informed Mr. Reffner that she heard the people with whom he had spoken lied and stated that she did not believe that she could work for Mr. Stamm but that she would like to work for Defendant in a location that was closer to her home. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 166-167; 30 ¶¶ 166-167, 414; 33 ¶¶ 166-167, 414.) Mr. Reffner did not further investigate Plaintiffs contention that witnesses had lied to him and advised Plaintiff that he was unsure whether he could honor her reassignment request. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 168; 30 ¶¶ 168, 415; 33 ¶ 415.) Mr. Reffner followed up on Plaintiffs request with Mr. Emerick, stating that Plaintiff requested to be assigned elsewhere and that he advised her that Defendant prefers to have confidence that the measures taken are severe enough to avoid any further incidents. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 170; 30 ¶ 170.) As of July 16, 2013, Mr. Reffner had addressed Plaintiffs requests with Mr. Emerick, but they had not reached a decision on whether to accommodate her. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 171; 30 ¶ 171.) When Mr. Reffner returned from a vacation on July 22, 2013, he found that Plaintiffs counsel had sent him a letter requesting that Plaintiff be reassigned away from Mr. Stamm in a location that would not be
On October 3, 2013, after Mr. Stamm drove through Plaintiffs job site, Plaintiff advised Mr. Reffner that as long as someone informed her when Mr. Stamm would be on the site, “it would be fine,” and she wanted to know why he was there so she did not feel uneasy. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 185-186; 30 ¶¶ 185-186; 33 ¶¶ 185-186.) Plaintiff told Mr. Reffner that the conditions on the crew were otherwise generally favorable. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 187; 30 ¶ 187.) Following the conversation, Mr. Reffner spoke with Mr. Miller, who confirmed that Mr. Stamm would be completed with the project. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶188; 30 ¶188.) When Mr. Reffner advised Plaintiff that Carl Stamm would need to come through to pave the project, she stated that she had not had a problem with Carl Stamm. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 189; 30 ¶ 189.) Mr. Reffner informed Mr. Miller that he would need to be notified at any point in which Mr. Stamm would be near Plaintiffs job site so that he could notify Plaintiff. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 190; 30 ¶190.) On October 4, 2013, Plaintiff left a message for Mr. Reffner, stating that Mr. Shields told her that Mr. Stamm would work at the job site on October 4, 2013. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 191; 30 ¶ 191.) Mr. Reffner contacted Mr. Miller, who stated that Mr. Shields was incorrect, and Mr. Reffner notified Plaintiff that Mr. Stamm would not be coming to the job site. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 191; 30 ¶ 191.)
On or around October 13, 2013, after receiving an anonymous letter, Mr. Reff-ner began an investigation regarding Mr. Stamm’s behavior and learned through Mark Buynak and Joe Harzinski that Mr. Stamm was swearing and screaming at them on the job. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 193-194; 30 ¶¶ 193-194; 33 ¶ 193.) As a result of his investigation, Mr. Reffner determined that Mr. Stamm needed to be terminated because he had violated the Last Chance Agreement, which was issued on July 9, 2013, for a period of twenty-four months, by using profanity on the job. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶195; 30 ¶ 195.) On October 24, 2013, Mr. Reffner contacted Plaintiff, advising her that Mr. Stamm had been terminated and inquiring whether she had any other issues that needed to be addressed. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 196; 30 ¶ 196.) In November 2013, Plaintiff was sent home for the 2013 season, which was significantly later than any season during which Plaintiff served on Mr. Stamm’s crew. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 421; 33 ¶ 421.)
During the 2014 season, Plaintiffs first day of work was on April 28, 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 206; 30 ¶206.) In May 2014, Plaintiff spoke with Chelsea Ankney, Defendant’s employee who was responsible for assigning flagging work, regarding any flagging opportunities that were available. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 208; 30 ¶208.) When Plaintiff spoke with Ms. Ankney about a job in Hustontown, Ms. Ankney stated it the job would continue for approximately two weeks, or eight to ten working days. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 210; 30 ¶210.) Plaintiff worked in Hustontown for thirteen days, on May 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22 in 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 211; 30 ¶ 211.) Ms. Quick, who was also working at the job in Hustontown, occasionally rode
While working in Hustontown, Plaintiff learned that younger, less experienced male laborers were working in Clearfield County, near Plaintiffs home. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶430; 33 ¶ 430.) Plaintiff contacted Assistant General Manager Jeff Hileman to express her concern regarding the amount of time that it took her to drive to Huston-town and to report that she had heard that Mr. Eyerly and Mr. Crain, who were less senior than her, were working closer to her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 214; 30 ¶ 214.) Mr. Hileman contacted Ms. Ankney, stated that Plaintiff had complaints about her assignment, and made arrangements for Plaintiff to be reassigned to work closer to her home beginning on or around May 28, 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 218; 30 ¶218.) Within one week of contacting Mr. Hileman, Plaintiff was assigned to work at a location closer to her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 219; 30 ¶ 219.) The new assignment was for a project occurring in Snyder Township and consisted of two days of work on May 15 and 19 in 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶220; 30 ¶ 220.)
While Plaintiff worked on the project in Hustontown, from May 6, 2014, through May 22, 2014, Plaintiff worked a total of 131 hours, including 11.5 hours of overtime. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 221; 30 ¶221.) During this time, Plaintiffs average hourly pay rate for the project in Hustontown was $24,846. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶222; 30 ¶ 222.) While Plaintiff was assigned to the job in Hustontown, Mr. Eyerly and Mr. Crain worked for a total of four days on a project in Bedford, on May 8, 9, 12, and 13 in 2014, and then worked for a total of two days, on May 19 and 20 in 2014, on a project in the Bigler area. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 223-224; 30 ¶¶ 223-224.) The project in the Bigler area was not “rated,” meaning that it did not pay prevailing wage rates. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 225; 30 ¶ 225.) During the time that Plaintiff was assigned to Huston-town, Mr. Eyerly worked a total of 50.5 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly pay rate of $22,324; Mr. Crain worked a total of 59 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly rate of $22,198. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 226-227; 30 ¶¶ 226-227.) During the month of May 2014, Plaintiff worked 153 hours, including 11.5 hours of overtime, and had an average hourly pay of $24,601. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 228; 30 ¶ 228.) During the month of May 2014, Mr. Eyerly worked 81.5 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly pay rate of $21,373; Mr. Crain worked 90 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly rate of $20,862. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 229-230; 30 ¶¶ 229-230.) Over the final years of Plaintiffs employment, specifically from 2010 through 2014, she made progressively less money each year. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 459; 33 ¶ 459.)
On May 28, 2014, Plaintiff was assigned to a project in the Lawrence Township/Clearfield area, which was closer to her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶231; 30 ¶231.) Carl Stamm oversaw the job, and his crew included some of the members with whom Plaintiff had worked on Mr. Stamm’s crew. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 232; 30 ¶ 232.) On May 28, 2014, Bob McClure handed Plaintiff a document entitled the “Hurt Feelings Report,” which was a form that referred to employees making complaints. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 233-235, 259; 30 ¶¶ 233-235, 259.) The Hurt Feelings Report asked for the “[rjeasons for filing this report” and listed reasons such as, “I am thin skinned;” “I am a p-y;” “I have women[-]like hormones;” “I am a qu-r;” “I am a little b — h;” “I am a crybaby;” “I want my mommy;” and “ALL OF THE ABOVE.” (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 435; 33 ¶435.) Plaintiff continued to work a nine-hour day on May 28, 2014, reported for work on May 29, 2014, but was' sent home along with the rest of the crew due to rain, and reported
On May 30, 2014, Greg Brunnhuber, who had replaced Mr. Refiner on April 21, 2014, after Mr. Refiner resigned in December 2013 to pursue other employment, was advised of the Hurt Feelings Report. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 240-242; 30 ¶¶ 240-242.) That day, Mr. Brunnhuber discussed the incident with Plaintiff, Carl Stamm, Mr. Flood, and Mr. McClure. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 242; 30 ¶242.) On June 2, 2014, Mr. Brunnhuber conducted interviews on the job site with Plaintiff, Mr. McClure, Neal Becker, and Ms. Quick. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 243; 30 ¶ 243.) Mr. Becker and Mr. McClure admitted to giving Plaintiff the Hurt Feelings Report. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 442; 33 ¶ 442.) While speaking with Mr. Brunnhuber, Plaintiff complained about her previous assignment in Hustontown, claiming that she had heard that less senior men were being paid at a laborer rate in an area closer to her home and stating that she wanted to be on her old crew. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 246; 30 ¶ 246.)
After Mr. Brunnhuber interviewed other individuals on June 2, 2014, he spoke with Plaintiff again, at which time she admitted to raising her middle finger and gesturing toward Mr. McClure on the job site in the prior year; Plaintiff agreed with Mr. Brunnhuber that such conduct was not professional or appropriate for the workplace. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 255; 30 ¶255.) Mr. Brunnhuber advised Plaintiff that he had spoken with other individuals, including Mr. McClure and Mr. Becker, stated that he would get back to her on the matter, and informed Plaintiff that he would look into the matter of the assignment of laborer versus flagging work. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 256; 30 ¶ 256.) Plaintiffs understanding was that Mr. Brunnhuber was investigating the complaint. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 257; 30 ¶ 257.)
Plaintiff continued to report to the same job site every day that work was available from June 2 through June 16, 2014, with the exception of one Sunday that she missed due to having water problems at her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 260; 30 ¶ 260.) Unbeknownst to Plaintiff at the time, Mr. Brunnhuber was released from his employment on June 6, 2014. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 445; 33 ¶ 445.) Plaintiff decided to resign from her position on the morning of June 17, 2014, approximately two weeks after Mr. Brunnhuber had visited the site to investigate. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 264, 266; 30 ¶¶264, 266.) Plaintiff resigned, in part, because she did not believe that Defendant would protect her from retaliation and because, as far as she was concerned, Defendant did not discipline any of the people involved in the Mr. Stamm and Mr. McClure cases. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 265; 30 ¶ 265.) Plaintiff testified that she contacted human resources, told a woman that she wanted to terminate her employment with Defendant, and was connected to a man named Jake, who did not answer his telephone. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 270; 30 ¶ 270.) After Plaintiff called the corporate office, which sent her back to the same person, she left a voicemail regarding her resignation. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 270; 30 ¶ 270.) Plaintiff received a telephone call from Jake Gathers regarding her resignation but declined his invitation to complete an exit interview. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 272-273, 276; 30 ¶¶272-273, 276.) Mr. Gathers and Mr. Emerick,
Plaintiff filed a complaint against Defendant on June 30, 2014. (ECF No. 1.) Plaintiff then filed an amended complaint on July 2, 2014, alleging claims of a hostile work environment, constructive discharge, wrongful failure to promote, and retaliation. (ECF No. 2.) Defendant filed an answer to Plaintiffs amended complaint on July 18, 2014. (ECF No. 5.) Following the close of discovery, Defendant filed the present motion for summary judgment on July 31, 2015. (ECF No. 24.) Plaintiff filed a response in opposition on September 17, 2015. (ECF No. 29.) The matter has been fully briefed (ECF Nos. 25, 26, 30, 33, 34), and is ripe for disposition.
IY. Standard of Review
A grant of summary judgment is appropriate when the moving party establishes that ‘“there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.’ ” Heffeman v. City of Paterson, 777 F.3d 147, 151 (3d Cir.2015) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a)). A genuine issue of material fact is one that could affect the outcome of litigation. Mahoney v. McDonnell,
The initial burden is on the moving party to adduce evidence illustrating a lack of genuine issues. Id. (citing Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323,
Nonetheless, a well-supported motion for summary judgment will not be defeated where the non-moving party merely reasserts factual allegations contained in the pleadings. Id. (citing Williams v. Borough of West Chester,
Y. Discussion
A. Defendant’s Motions to Strike Plaintiffs and Monica Graham’s Affidavits
1. Plaintiffs Affidavit
Because Defendant contends that Plaintiff has submitted two sham affidavits in
Under the sham affidavit doctrine, “a court will disregard an affidavit that is inconsistent with an affiant’s prior deposition testimony ... unless the party relying on the affidavit in opposition to the motion can present a legitimate reason for the discrepancies between the deposition and the affidavit.” Smith v. Johnson and Johnson,
The Third Circuit has adopted a “flexible approach” in applying the sham affidavit analysis. Jiminez,
Defendant first argues that paragraphs 70 and 71 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because they contradict Plaintiffs prior testimony. (ECF No. 36 at 3-7.) In paragraphs 70 and 71 of her affidavit, Plaintiff states that in 2011, Ms. Dick called her several days after she revealed that Mr. Stamm had told her to “[g]et in the truck, b-h,” to ask whether Mr. Stamm’s behavior had improved. (ECF No. 30-8 at 12.) Plaintiff states that she told Ms. Dick that Mr. Stamm said that he would treat Plaintiff however he wanted and that she would lose her job if she continued to report him. (Id.) Defendant asserts that Plaintiffs statement contradicts her previous testimony in which she stated that she did not report Mr. Stamm’s behavior until May 2013. (ECF No. 36 at 4-5.)
In response, Plaintiff clarifies, that she testified that she first reported -Mr. Stamm’s behavior to “the HR department” in 2013 and that, to her knowledge, Ms. Dick was a managerial employee who did
Defendant next argues that paragraph 95 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because it contradicts Plaintiffs prior testimony. (ECF No. 36 at 7-9.) In paragraph 95, Plaintiff states that Mr. McClure and Mr. Becker increased their use of derogatory language, including the word “b-h,” after she received the Hurt Feelings Report. (ECF No. 30-8 at 16.) Defendant asserts that Plaintiff specifically testified that Mr. McClure did not call her any names and made no mention of any name calling or harassing conduct from Mr. Becker. (ECF No. 36 at 8.)
In response, Plaintiff states that she “stands by her initial statement that Mr. McClure did not call her names during that period of time.” (ECF No. 40 at 9.) She states that “the affidavit needs to be clarified” because “it was Mr. Becker and other coworkers who called [her] names during that period of time — Mr. McClure only engaged in non-verbal harassment.” (Id.) In light of Plaintiffs clarification, the Court will strike the portion of paragraph 95 that includes Mr. McClure. The Court rejects Defendant’s argument that Plaintiff made no mention of Mr. Becker’s conduct because Defendant’s counsel’s questioning referred only to Mr. McClure. (See ECF No. 36 at 8.) Plaintiff therefore did not have an opportunity to testify regarding Mr. Becker’s conduct. Accordingly, paragraph 95 will be stricken in part to read, “Additionally, my coworkers, primarily Mr. Becker, increased their use of derogatory language, like ‘b-h,’ as did their mimicking of Andrea Quick and me.”
Defendant argues that paragraphs 92, 93, and 97 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because they contradict Plaintiffs prior testimony. (ECF No. 36 at 9-15.) In paragraphs 92, 93, and 97, Plaintiff states that in the weeks following May 30, 2014, she repeatedly called Mr. Brunnhuber’s cell phone number, that she called Defendant’s human resources department at least three times to speak to Mr. Brunnhuber, and that no one told her that Mr. Brunnhuber was no longer working for Defendant. (ECF No. 30-8 at 15-16.) Defendant states that Plaintiff testified that
In response, Plaintiff states that Defendant’s counsel asked her whether she called Mr. Brunnhuber’s cell phone, to which Plaintiff responded affirmatively. (ECF No. 40 at 10.) Plaintiff notes that Defendant’s counsel did not ask her how many times she called Mr. Brunnhuber’s cell phone. (Id.) Plaintiff argues that Defendant cites to her testimony in which she was asked whether she spoke “to anybody [a]bout the situation with Bob McClure,” to which Plaintiff responded negatively. (Id. at 11.) Plaintiff asserts that her testimony does not contradict her affidavit because she called and asked to speak to Mr. Brunnhuber; she did not speak to anyone about Mr. McClure. (Id.) Having reviewed Plaintiffs testimony, the Court finds that the independent evidence in the record bolsters Plaintiff’s averments and that Plaintiffs statements do not have the qualities of patently sham averments. Jiminez,
Defendant next argues that paragraph 30 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because it contradicts Plaintiffs admission to Mr. Refiner and Mr. Miller. (ECF No. 36 at 15.) In paragraph 30, Plaintiff states that Mr. Stamm did not subject the male employees on the crew to his inappropriate behaviors. (ECF No. 30-8 at 5.) Defendant contends that Plaintiff told Mr. Refiner and Mr. Miller that Mr. Stamm “is not prejudiced, he is like this with everyone, even inspectors.” (ECF No. 36 at 15 (internal quotations omitted).)
In response, Plaintiff states that Defendant relies upon Mr. Refiner’s notes of a conversation from July 2013 and that Plaintiff disputes Mr. Refiner’s notes. Because Mr. Refiner’s notes are not a prior sworn statement and because paragraph 30 does not have the qualities of a patently sham averment, the Court will deny Defendant’s request to strike paragraph 30. Baer,
Defendant argues that paragraphs 39 and 69 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because Plaintiff failed to raise these material facts in her prior testimony. (ECF No. 36 at 16-18.) In paragraph 39, Plaintiff states that Mr. Stamm progressively worsened his behavior toward her, called her a “c-t” on a regular basis, and touched her inappropriately by placing his hands on her back side. (ECF No. 30-8 at 6.) In paragraph 69, Plaintiff states that she told Ms. Dick and Mr. Flood that Mr. Stamm told her to “[g]et .in the truck, b-h,” made comments about having a relationship with her, and, on multiple occasions, inappropriately touched her back side. (Id. at 11.) Defendant contends that Plaintiff never referenced Mr. Stamm touching her back side at the unemployment compensation hearing or at her deposition. (ECF No. 36 at 16.) Defendant also states Plaintiff did not make a report of sexual harassment to Ms. Dick and Mr. Flood in 2011. (Id. at 16-17.)
Finally, Defendant argues that paragraph 38 of Plaintiffs affidavit must be stricken because Plaintiff failed to raise this material fact in her prior testimony. (ECF No. 36 at 18-19.) In paragraph 38, Plaintiff states that she attempted to return to work with Mr. Stamm after she spoke with Mr. Mills but that Mr. Stamm threatened her after he had a conversation with Mr. Mills. (ECF No. 30-8 at 6.)
In response, Plaintiff argues that she did not have an obligation to volunteer information during her deposition. (ECF No. 40 at 15-16.) This Court has previously rejected the argument that a plaintiff must raise issues that are included in an affidavit because “[it] does not read Jiminez to preclude consideration of a plaintiffs affidavit merely because the plaintiff was questioned in some respect by her own counsel at the time of her deposition.” Steward v. Altoona First Savs. Bank, No. 3:12-CV-203,
Accordingly, Defendant’s motion to strike Plaintiffs affidavit will be granted to the extent that paragraph 95 will be stricken in part to read, “Additionally, my coworkers, primarily Mr. Becker, increased their use of derogatory language, like “b-h,” as did their mimicking of Andrea Quick and me.” Defendant’s remaining requests in its motion to strike will be denied.
2. Monica Graham’s Affidavit
Regarding Ms. Graham’s affidavit, Defendant argues that Ms. Graham’s affidavit must be stricken in its entirety because it is “me too” evidence that is irrelevant and because it states conclusory allegations that lack specific facts and contain inadmissible hearsay. (ECF No. 38 at 3-10.) In response, Plaintiff argues that Ms. Graham’s affidavit should not be stricken because it details the conduct of some individuals with whom Plaintiff worked. (ECF No. 39 at 4-7.) Plaintiff also asserts that Ms. Graham’s affidavit provides direct evidence of Defendant’s knowledge of discrimination complaints that is based upon Ms. Graham’s personal knowledge. (Id. at 7-15.)
In her affidavit, Ms. Graham states that she worked as a part-time traffic flagger for Defendant from March 2008 until August 2010, at which time she transferred to a full-time laborer. (ECF No. 30-15 at 1.) Ms. Graham received “resistance” from her supervisor, Joseph Harzinski, and her
The Third Circuit has explained that “ ‘me too’ ” evidence in an employment discrimination case is neither per se admissible nor per se inadmissible. Mandel v. M & Q Packaging Corp.,
Having reviewed Plaintiffs circumstances and theory of the case, the Court notes that Ms. Graham’s allegations relate to Mr. Harzinski’s and her unnamed co-workers’ conduct. As Defendant has argued, these individuals are not related to the instant matter because Plaintiffs claims do not involve Mr. Harzinski or Ms. Graham’s unnamed co-workers. However, as Plaintiff has noted, Mr. Stamm and Mr. Harzinski reported to Mr. Flood, and the factual circumstances of the case involve Mr. Flood. Additionally, some of the averments in Ms. Graham’s affidavit relate to Plaintiffs circumstances and claims, such as Ms. Graham’s assertion that she was called profane names and that Defendant did not address the issue after she complained. The Court will therefore deny Defendant’s motion to strike and will consider Ms. Graham’s affidavit to the extent that the averments are related to the theory and circumstances of Plaintiffs case. See, e.g., Troy v. State Corr. Inst.-Pittsburgh, No. 11-CV-1509,
B. Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment
In its motion for summary judgment, Defendant asserts that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law because Plaintiff has failed to make a prima facie showing of gender-based discrimination, a gender-based hostile work environment, constructive discharge, or retaliation. (ECF No. 26 at 14-96.) Defendant also argues that Plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages. (Id. at 96-97.) In her Memorandum of Law in Opposition, Plaintiff argues that she adduced sufficient evidence to make out a prima facie case as to each of her claims, including her claim for punitive damages. (ECF No. 29 at 15-81.)
1. Hostile Work Environment
a. Time Bar
Defendant first argues that Plaintiffs allegations regarding incidents that occurred before October 2012 are barred because Plaintiff did not file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC until 2013. (ECF No. 26 at 17-19.) In response, Plaintiff asserts that the Court must consider all acts amounting to a hostile work environment, not only the conduct that falls within the limitations period. (ECF No. 29 at 16-17.)
To bring suit in Pennsylvania under Title VII, a claimant must first file a complaint with the EEOC within 300 days of the alleged unlawful employment practice. See Mandel,
In discussing hostile work environment claims, the Court explained that such claims exist “ ‘[w]hen the workplace is permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the victim’s employment and create an abusive working environment.’ ” Morgan,
The Third Circuit has interpreted the holding in Morgan as “a bright-line distinction between discrete acts, which are individually actionable, and acts which are not individually actionable but may be aggregated to make out a hostile work environment claim.” O’Connor v. City of Newark,
Plaintiff has testified that the frequency of Mr. Stamm’s name calling was “[p]robably three times a week at least[,] sometimes more. Sometimes it could be a few times a day[,] just depending on the mood that he was in.” (ECF No. 30-9 at 9.) Under the continuing violations doctrine, “when a defendant’s conduct is part of a continuing practice, an action is timely so long as the last act evidencing the continuing practice falls within the limitations period; in such an instance, the court will grant relief for the earlier related acts that would otherwise be time barred.” Cowell v. Palmer Twp.,
Here, Defendant does not dispute that at least one act occurred within the filing period. {See ECF No. 26 at 17-19.) As discussed above, Plaintiff testified that the frequency of Mr. Stamm’s name calling was at least three times per week. Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the Court finds that Plaintiff seeks recovery for a hostile work environment rather than for a discrete discriminatory act. Accordingly, because at least one act contributing to Plaintiffs claim fell within the statute of limitations period, the Court finds that Plaintiffs allegations regarding incidents that occurred before October 2012 are not time barred. See, e.g., Cowell,
b. Prima Facie Case
Under Title VII, an employer cannot “ ‘discharge ... or ... discriminate against any individual with respect to ... compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of such individual’s ... sex.’ ” Huston v. Procter & Gamble Paper Prod. Corp.,
i. Prong One
With respect to the first prong, it is well settled that “a plaintiff need not produce direct evidence of an actor’s motivation for conduct that can be found to be discrimination.” Hegyes v. United States Steel Corp., No. 2:04-CV-1283,
To satisfy the first prong, the proffered conduct or statements need not be explicitly sexual. See Andrews v. City of Philadelphia,
Here, Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Stamm used several profanities, including
The Court in Davis further explained that “where ... the word ‘bitch’ makes up [the] majority of the alleged misconduct, courts have concluded that this context more appropriately supports the inference that its use was merely an offensive epithet, and not based on sex.” Id. (citing Kidd v. Com. of Pennsylvania,
With respect to the word “c-t,” some courts have found that use of the word is evidence of harassment based on gender. See, e.g., Crooks v. Nat’l Oilwell Varco, L.P., No. 3:11-CV-1036,
ii. Prong Two
With respect to the second prong, the Court must determine whether the totality of the circumstances indicates that the alleged harassment by Mr. Stamm was “sufficiently severe or pervasive.” Martinez,
During the time period of 2009 until 2014 (see ECF No. 30-8 at 2), Plaintiff encountered the following while she was working for Defendant:
• Mr. Stamm used words such as “b-h” and “c-t” directed at Plaintiff. (ECFNo. 30-2 at 37; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 66; 30 ¶ 66; 33 ¶ 66.)
• Plaintiff testified that the name calling occurred three times a week and that sometimes it could be a few times a day. (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 2-4, 6; 30-9 at 90
• In 2010 or 2011, Mr. Stamm pulled his pants down and mooned Plaintiff, which made her feel uncomfortable. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 37; 30-8 at 3; 30-9 at 6, 8; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 66; 30 ¶ 66; 33 ¶ 66.)
• When Plaintiff asked which flaggers were needed, Mr. Stamm stated, “Just you, just f-ing you.” (ECF No. 30-2 at 17.)
• Mr. Stamm screamed profanities at Plaintiff and told her to keep her fling mouth shut and that’s how people lose their jobs. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 38; 30-8 at 3; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 75; 30 ¶¶ 75, 378-379; 33 ¶¶75, 378-379.) When Plaintiff told him that he could move her to another crew, Mr. Stamm asked her to get into a truck, squeezed her shoulder, and asked if they were okay. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 37-38; 30-9 at 10; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 76-77; 30 ¶¶ 76-77, 388; 33 ¶¶ 76-77, 388.)
• Mr. Stamm grabbed Plaintiffs shoulders in a threatening manner. (ECF No. 30-8 at 3.)
• Mr. Stamm made sexual comments to female employees. (Id. at 4.)
• When signs needed to be picked up, Mr. Stamm called the company telephone and asked Plaintiff, ‘Where the f — k are you? Get your a— down here and get this f — ing picked up now.” (ECF No. 30-2 at 39.) At the end of the day, Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff that “you’re the only f-ing flagger we’re going to need tomorrow.” (Id.)
• Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff to “move [her] a-,” to “get in the truck, b-h,” to “get the f-ing flaggers out,” and to “f-ing hustle.” (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 2, 11; 30-9 at 8.)
• Mr. Stamm called Plaintiff a “fat, stupid c-t.” (ECF No. 25-21 at 35.)
• Mr. Stamm told his crew members that Plaintiff was his “b — h” and that she would “lose that a — ” working for him. (ECF No. 30-8 at 2.)
• Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff to “get your a- back down here, you stupid c-t.” (Id. at 4.)
• Mr. Stamm yelled at Plaintiff for sending text messages to another female employee. (ECF Nos. 25-21 at 6, 11; 30-8 at 5.)
• Mr. Stamm placed his hands on Plaintiffs back side on multiple occasions. (ECF No. 30-8 at 6.)
• When cones needed to be set out, Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff, “You need to get down here and get some f-ing cones up down here now,” to “get that f-ing car out of there,” and to “go get the fling T Tag.” (ECF No. 30-2 at 39-40.)
• Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff to take off her “f-ing sunglasses” and told Plaintiff and another female to “get [your] f-ing a~es back down here.” (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 4; 30-9 at 8; see also ECF Nos. 25-21 at 33; 30 ¶ 368; 33 ¶368.)
• When Plaintiff placed a paint can on the floor of a truck, Mr. Stamm grabbed her, told her to “get in the fling truck,” pointed to the cup holder and said “this is where the f-ing paint can goes,” and told her that if she put a can of paint on the floor again then she would be “the first full-time f — ing flagger that [Defendant] had.” (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 3; 30-9 at 9; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 66; 30 ¶ 66; 33 ¶ 66.)
• In 2014, while working with another crew, Plaintiff received a Hurt Feelings Report, which asked for the“[r]easons for filing this report” and listed reasons such as, “I am thin skinned;” “I am a p-y;” “I have women[-]like hormones;” “I am a qu-r;” “I am a little b-h;” “I am a crybaby;” “I want my mommy;” and “ALL OF THE ABOVE.” (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 26, 42-43; 30-8 at 14; 30-9 at 7, 14-15; see also ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 435; 33 ¶435.)
• For the next two weeks, Plaintiffs coworkers made fun of her and mimicked her while she was being trained to use a roller. (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 15-16; 30-9 at 18-19, 25-26.) Mr. Becker called Plaintiff a “b-h.” (ECF No. 30-8 at 16.)
Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Stamm used several profanities, including “a-,” “b-h,” “c-t,” and variations of the word “f-k.” In her affidavit, Plaintiff states that Mr. Stamm used inappropriate language like “b~h” and “c-t” at least three times a week and, overall, more than 500 times. (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 2-4, 21; 30-9 at 9.) However, the Court’s review of the undisputed material facts establishes that Plaintiff has only identified a few instances where Mr. Stamm told Plaintiff to “get in the truck, b-h,” called her a “fat, stupid ct,” told his co-workers that Plaintiff was his “b-h,” and told Plaintiff she was a “stupid c-t.” (See ECF Nos. 25-21 at 35; 30-8 at 2, 4, 11; 30-9 at 8.) Indeed, even Plaintiffs diary entries, which she kept from April 2012 until October 2013, reveal only the instance in which Mr. Stamm called her a “fat, stupid c-t.” (ECF No. 25-21 at 35.)
Given the Court’s extensive review of the thousands of pages that the parties have filed in relation to Defendant’s motion summary judgment, it will not credit Plaintiffs “unsubstantiated estimation” that Mr. Stamm called her a “b-h” and “c-t” more than 500 times during the time period of 2009 until 2013. Dreshman v. Henry Clay Villa,
Mr. Stamm’s use of the word “b~ h” on a few occasions and “c-t” on a few occasions, over the time period of 2009 until 2013, is insufficient to establish that his harassment of Plaintiff was “sufficiently severe or pervasive.” Martinez,
Plaintiff details several instances where Mr. Stamm used variations of the word “fi~ k,” and Mr. Stamm’s use of the word constitutes the majority of the profanities that Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Stamm used. As discussed above, Mr. Stamm stated: “Just you, just f-ing you;” “Where the f-k are you?;” “Keep [your] f — ing mouth shut;” “Get this f-ing picked up now;” “You’re the only f-ing flagger we’re going to need tomorrow;” “You need to get down here and get some f-ing cones up down here now;” “Get that' f-ing car out of there;” “Go get the f-ing T Tag;” “Get the f-ing flaggers out;” “F-ing hustle;” “[Take off your] f-ing sunglasses;” “Get [your] f-ing a-es back down here;” “Get in the f-ing truck;” “this is where the fling paint can goes;” and “[You will be] the first full-time f-ing flagger that [Defendant] had.” (EOF Nos. 30-2 at 17, 38-40; 30-8 at 2-4, 11; 30-9 at 8-9; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 66, 75; 25-21 at 33; 30 ¶¶ 66, 75, 368, 378-379; 33 ¶¶66, 75, 368, 378-379.)
Based upon this evidence, Mr. Stamm used variations of the word “f-k” on fifteen occasions over the time period of 2009 until 2013. (See id.) Additionally, Plaintiff has outlined occasions where Mr. Stamm used the word three times in one day, thus decreasing the number of days over which Mr. Stamm used the word. Even if Mr. Stamm had used variations of the word “f-k” on fifteen occasions on fifteen different days, Plaintiff would still be unable to establish that his use of the word created a hostile work environment that was severe and pervasive because “offensive language does not constitute harassment.” Staples,
Plaintiffs allegations that Mr. Stamm touched her, by grabbing her, squeezing her shoulder, and touching her back side, are more egregious than her allegations regarding Mr. Stamm’s use of profanities. Nonetheless, Plaintiffs allegations are insufficient to establish that Mr. Stamm’s conduct was sufficiently severe and pervasive to establish her claim for a hostile work environment. Plaintiff asserts that Mr. Stamm has sexually propositioned her more than 100 times and has touched her inappropriately more than fifty times. (ECF No. 30-8 at 21.) However, the Court’s review of the undisputed material facts establishes that Plaintiff has only identified one instance where Mr. Stamm grabbed Plaintiff after she placed a paint can on the floor of a truck and one instance where Mr. Stamm squeezed Plaintiffs shoulder and asked if they were okay. (See ECF Nos. 30-2 at 37-38; 30-8 at 3; 30; 9 at 9-10; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 66, 76-77; 30 ¶¶ 66, 76-77, 388; 33 ¶ 66, 76-77, 388.)
As discussed above, the Court will not credit Plaintiffs “unsubstantiated estimation” that Mr. Stamm sexually propositioned her more than 100 times and has touched her inappropriately more than fifty times. Dreshman,
Plaintiff has also alleged that Mr. Stamm “mooned” her on one occasion. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 37; 30-8 at 3; 30-9 at 6, 8; see also ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 66; 30 ¶ 66; 33 ¶ 66.) Such conduct, which occurred once during the time period of 2009 until 2013, is reprehensible but is insufficient to establish Plaintiffs claim for a hostile work environment. Compare Bacone v. Phila. Hous. Auth., No. 01-CV-419,
The remainder of Plaintiffs hostile work environment claim is premised upon two incidents involving the behavior of her other co-workers following Mr. Stamm’s termination. First, Plaintiff alleges that she received a Hurt Feelings Report from Mr. McClure. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 26, 42-43; 30-8 at 14; 30-9 at 7, 14-15; see also ECF Nos. 30 ¶435; 33 ¶435.) Initially, the Court notes that case law within the Third Circuit has not addressed a “Hurt Feelings Report.” Nonetheless, it is well settled that “isolated incidents or comments are generally insufficient to state a claim.” See Caver v. City of Trenton,
Second, Plaintiff alleges that, following Mr. Stamm’s termination, her coworkers made fun of her and mimicked her while she was being trained to use a roller. (ECF Nos. 30-8 at 15-16; 30-9 at 18-19, 25-26.) Plaintiff asserts that this conduct occurred from May 30, 2014, until she resigned on June 17, 2014. (ECF No. 30-8 at 15-16.) It is well settled that “teasing” and “offhand comments” are insufficient to establish a hostile work environment. Abramson,
As discussed above, the Court must determine whether the totality of the circumstances indicates that the alleged harassment was “sufficiently severe or pervasive.” Martinez,
iii. Prong Four
With respect to the fourth prong, the Court must determine whether Plaintiff has made a prima facie showing that the discrimination would detrimentally affect a reasonable person of the same sex in that position. “Conduct that is not severe or pervasive enough to create an objectively hostile or abusive work environment — an environment that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive— is beyond Title VII’s purview.” Harris,
As discussed extensively above, the Court cannot conclude that Plaintiffs allegations regarding the frequency of the discriminatory conduct and its severity are sufficient to establish a hostile work, environment claim. Additionally, Plaintiff has not identified any substantiated claims detailing physically threatening or humiliating conduct. Abramson,
“Evidence that others were harassed may tend to show that a plaintiffs claims are objectively reasonable.” West,
The Court notes that Mr. Stamm yelled when he was angry, and he used profanity and other foul language while on the job. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 111; 30 ¶¶ 111, 352; 33 ¶¶ 111, 352.) He used profanity around male and female employees. (ECF Nos. 30-2 at 16; 30-8 at 2, 20.) In 2011, Plaintiff and two of her male co-workers shared their concerns regarding Mr. Stamm with Ms. Dick and Mr. Flood. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 68, 70-72; 30 ¶¶ 68, 70-72, 375; 33 ¶ 375.) Mr. Stamm called Mr. Hutchinson names, such as “r-d.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 113; 30 ¶ 113.) In 2013, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Buy-nak, and Mr. Harzinski complained about Mr. Stamm’s behavior on the job site, at which point Mr. Stamm was terminated. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 92, 193-194, 330; 30 ¶¶ 92, 193-194, 330; 33 ¶ 193.) Because Mr. Stamm directed his profanities and name calling at both men and women, he could be considered to be “an equal opportunity harasser.” See, e.g., Hubbell v. World Kitchen, LLC,
Plaintiff also used profanities on the job site, stating, “You tell [Mr. Stamm] the f— ing truck is at the quarry and he can take the cell phone and shove it up his a — .” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 146; 30 ¶ 146; see also ECF No. 30-2 at 16.) She admitted to raising her middle finger and gesturing toward Mr. McClure on the job site. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 255; 30 ¶ 255.) Because the use of profanities was not abnormal at the job site, as used by Mr. Stamm toward men and women and as used by Plaintiff, the Court cannot conclude that such conduct would detrimentally affect a reasonable person of the same sex in that position. See West,
iv. Prong Five
With respect to the fifth prong, Plaintiff must demonstrate the existence of respondeat superior liability. When a plaintiff seeks to establish respondeat superior liability, “the basis of an employer’s liability for hostile environment sexual harassment depends on whether the harasser is the victim’s supervisor or merely a co-worker.” Huston,
If a harasser is the victim’s supervisor, then the employer may be held strictly liable. Id. The Supreme Court has clarified that an individual qualifies as a supervisor in harassment actions “only when the employer has empowered that employee to take tangible employment actions against the victim, ie., to effect a
On the other hand, “[i]f the harassing employee is the victim’s coworker, the employer is liable only if it was negligent in controlling working conditions.” Vance,
In the instant case, Plaintiff testified that Ms. Davis asked her in August 2009 if she would be interested in a full-time laborer position. (ECF No. 30-2 at 10.) Approximately one month later, Mr. Stamm asked Plaintiff if she was interested in the position. (Id.) After Plaintiff responded affirmatively, Mr. Mills arrived with paperwork, which Plaintiff signed on the trunk of his car. (Id.) Similarly, Mr. Hutchinson testified that when he refused to work on Sunday, Mr. Stamm hung the telephone up on him and “from that point on, I wasn’t allowed on any jobs that he was in control of.” (ECF No. 30-4 at 20.) Mr. Stamm confirmed that he “could go to [Mr.] Miller and say, ‘hey, this person is no good for whatever reason, I want them out of here, terminated, sent to another crew.’ ” (ECF No. 25-16 at 119.)
Mr. Refiner testified that disciplinary matters are a collaborative effort that includes Defendant’s superintendents.
The record reveals a situation in which an employer has “concentrate[d] all decisionmaking authority in a few individuals” but has also “effectively delegated the power to take tangible employment actions to the employees on whose recommendations it relies.” Vance,
v. Faragher-Ellerth Affirmative Defense
In two companion cases, the Supreme Court set forth the Faragher-
An employer is subject to vicarious liability to a victimized employee for an actionable hostile environment created by a supervisor with immediate (or successively higher) authority over the employee. When no tangible employment action is taken, a defending employer may raise an affirmative defense to liability or damages, subject to proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The defense comprises two necessary elements: (a) that the employer exercised reasonable care to prevent and correct promptly any sexually harassing behavior, and (b) that the plaintiff employee unreasonably failed to take advantage of any preventive or corrective opportunities provided by the employer or to avoid harm otherwise.No affirmative defense is available, however, when the supervisor’s harassment culminates in a tangible employment action, such as discharge, demotion, or undesirable reassignment.
Ellerth,
At the outset, the Court must determine whether a “tangible employment action” has been taken. If such an action has been taken, then Defendant may not avail itself of the Faragher-Ellerth affirmative defense. See Ellerth,
First, even in reviewing the facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, Defendant exercised reasonable care to prevent and correct promptly any sexually harassing behavior. When Plaintiff and two of her male co-workers shared their concerns regarding Mr. Stamm in 2011 with Mr. Flood and Ms. Dick, Mr. Flood advised Plaintiff to sign a Check of Facilities form to indicate that she had a complaint. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 72; 30 ¶ 72.) Plaintiff refused to sign the form because Mr. Stamm was the individual who had given her the form, and she feared retaliation. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 73; 30 ¶ 73.) Defendant contends that in response to Plaintiffs refusal, Mr. Flood advised Plaintiff to contact the corporate office and speak with Mr. Miller. (ECF No. 25 ¶ 74.) Plaintiff denies Defendant’s contention, asserting that Mr. Flood
Plaintiff first reported Mr. Stamm’s conduct to the human resources department in 2013. (ECF No. 40 at 5-6; see also ECF No. 30-9 at 10.) On May 23, 2013, Plaintiff met with Mr. Mills to discuss Mr. Stamm. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 385; 33 ¶ 385.) At the end of the conversation, Mr. Mills stated that he would contact Mr. Stamm, discuss the matters, and get back in touch with Plaintiff. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 386; 33 ¶ 386.) After speaking with Mr. Stamm, Mr. Mills left Plaintiff a voicemail in which he stated that Mr. Stamm did not realize that there was a problem and that he felt things would be okay going forward. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 83-84; 30 ¶¶ 83-84, 387; 33 ¶¶ 83-84, 387.)
According to Plaintiff, Mr. Stamm’s behavior calmed down after this incident but worsened after one or two weeks. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 78; 30 ¶78; 33 ¶78.) On June 25, 2013, Plaintiff again contacted Mr. Mills regarding Mr. Stamm. (See ECF No. 25 ¶ 87; 30 ¶ 87; 33 ¶87.) Mr. Mills advised Plaintiff to return to her home and to take some time off from work. (ECF No. 30 ¶ 392; 33 ¶ 392.) By the end of the day on June 25, 2013, Plaintiff had spoken with Mr. Mills, Ms. Dick, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Refiner. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶93; 30 ¶ 93.) Mr. Refiner scheduled a meeting with Plaintiff for July 1, 2013, and the two agreed that, in the meantime, Plaintiff should not report to work. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 94; 30 ¶¶94, 397; 33 ¶¶94, 397.) On July 1, 2013, Plaintiff met with Mr. Refiner and Mr. Miller to further discuss her complaints about Mr. Stamm and then completed, at least in part, an Avenues of Appeal Initial Review Form. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 96; 30 ¶96; 33 ¶96.) Plaintiff remained off and was paid for two weeks while Defendant investigated her com-' plaints. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 95; 30 ¶ 95; see also ECF No. 30-2 at 48.)
After the meeting, Mr. Reffner spoke with Ms. Speck, Mr. Crain, Jr., Ms. Davis, Mr. Eyerly, Mr. Crain, Sr., and Ms. Quick regarding the incidents identified by Plaintiff. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 143; 30 ¶ 143.) During a telephone conversation, Mr. Refiner told Mr. Stamm that he was required to participate in a meeting regarding Plaintiffs allegations and stated that he would prepare termination documents if Mr. Stamm did not report. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 155; 30 ¶ 155.) Mr. Stamm participated in a meet
Plaintiff informed Mr. Reffner on July 12, 2013, that she did not believe that she could work for Mr. Stamm but that she would like to work for Defendant in a location that was closer to her home. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 166-167; 30 ¶¶ 166-167, 414; 33 ¶¶ 166-167, 414.) Mr. Reffner then contacted Mr. Emerick, stating that Plaintiff requested to be assigned elsewhere and that he advised her that Defendant prefers to have confidence that the measures taken are severe enough to avoid any further incidents. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 170; 30 ¶ 170.) As of July 16, 2013, Mr. Reffner had addressed Plaintiffs requests with Mr. Emerick, but they had not reached a decision on whether to accommodate her. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 171; 30 ¶ 171.) When Mr. Reffner returned from a vacation on July 22, 2013, he found that Plaintiffs counsel had sent him a letter requesting that Plaintiff be reassigned away from Mr. Stamm in a location that would not be so far away that she would be unable to travel to her work location. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 172-173; 30 ¶¶ 172-173.) A resolution was reached on or around July 29, 2013, and on Plaintiff returned to work on August 5, 2013, with Larry Shields’s crew at a site in DuBois, which was not a significant distance away from her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 175, 177; 30 ¶¶ 175, 177.) Plaintiff received the same rate of pay as a laborer following her reassignment to Mr. Shields’s crew. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 181; 30 ¶ 181.) She has not had any contact with Mr. Stamm since June 25, 2013. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 176; 30 ¶ 176.)
After Mr. Stamm drove through Plaintiffs job site on October 3, 2013, Plaintiff advised Mr. Reffner that as long as someone informed her when Mr. Stamm would be on the site, “it would be fine,” and she wanted to know why he was there so she did not feel uneasy. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 185-186; 30 ¶¶ 185-186; 33 ¶¶ 185-186.) Plaintiff told Mr. Reffner that the conditions on the crew were otherwise generally favorable. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 187; 30 ¶ 187.) Following the conversation, Mr. Reffner spoke with Mr. Miller, who confirmed that Mr. Stamm would be completed with the project and that Carl Stamm would work on the project on October 7. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 188; 30 ¶ 188.) When Mr. Reffner advised Plaintiff that Carl Stamm would need to come through to pave the project, she stated that she had not had a problem with Carl Stamm. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 189; 30 ¶ 189.) Mr. Reffner informed Mr. Miller that he would need to be notified at any point in which Mr. Stamm would be near Plaintiffs job site so that he could notify Plaintiff. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶190; 30 ¶190.)
On or around October 13, 2013, after receiving an anonymous letter, Mr. Reff-ner began an investigation regarding Mr. Stamm’s behavior and learned that Mr. Stamm was swearing and screaming on the job. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 193-194; 30 ¶¶ 193-194; 33 ¶ 193.) As a result of his investigation, Mr. Reffner determined that Mr. Stamm had violated the Last Chance Agreement. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶195; 30 ¶ 195.) On October 24, 2013, Mr. Reffner contacted Plaintiff, advising her that Mr. Stamm had been terminated and inquiring whether she had any other issues that needed to
Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the Court cannot conclude that Defendant did not exercise reasonable care in handling Plaintiffs complaints regarding Mr. Stamm in 2013. When Plaintiff raised her complaints, Defendant responded promptly and accommodated Plaintiffs requests. As discussed above, Plaintiffs complaints did not reveal that Mr. Stamm engaged in sexual harassment. Although Defendant’s investigation established that Plaintiffs sexual harassment complaints were unsubstantiated, it entered into a Last Chance Agreement with Mr. Stamm regarding his use of profanities on the job site. When Mr. Stamm violated the agreement, Defendant terminated his employment.
The undisputed facts, in conjunction with Defendant’s adequate procedures regarding sexual harassment complaints, establish that Defendant exercised reasonable care. See, e.g., Andreoli,
During the 2014 season, Plaintiff contacted Mr. Hileman to express her concern regarding the amount of time that it took her to drive to Hustontown and to report that she had heard that Mr. Eyerly and Mr. Crain, who were less senior than her, were working closer to her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 214; 30 ¶ 214.) Mr. Hileman contacted Ms. Ankney, stated that Plaintiff had complaints about her assignment, and made arrangements for Plaintiff to be reassigned to work closer to her home
On May 28, 2014, Plaintiff was assigned to a project in the Lawrence Township/Clearfield area, which was closer to her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶231; 30 ¶ 231.) After receiving the Hurt Feelings Report from Mr. McClure that day, Plaintiff continued to work a nine-hour day, reported for work on May 29, 2014, but was sent home along with the rest of the crew due to rain, and reported for work on May 30, 2014. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 234-235, 259; 30 ¶¶ 234-235, 259.) On May 30, 2014, Plaintiff refused to sign a Check of Facilities form and informed Carl Stamm that Mr. McClure had given her the Hurt Feelings Report. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 235; 30 ¶235.) Carl Stamm contacted Mr. Flood, who came to the job site to speak with Plaintiff that day. (ECF No. 25 ¶ 236; 30 ¶ 236.) Mr. Brunnhuber discussed the incident with Plaintiff, Carl Stamm, Mr. Flood, and Mr. McClure on May 30, 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 242; 30 ¶ 242.) On June 2, 2014, Mr. Brunnhuber conducted interviews on the job site with Plaintiff, Mr. McClure, Mr. Becker, and Ms. Quick. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 243; 30 ¶ 243.) Plaintiff complained about her previous assignment in Hustontown, claiming that she had heard that less senior men were being paid at a laborer rate in an area closer to her home and stating that she wanted to be on her old crew. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 246; 30 ¶ 246.)
Plaintiff continued to report to the same job site every day that work was available from June 2 through June 16, 2014, with the exception of one Sunday that she missed due to having water problems at her home. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 260; 30 ¶260.) Unbeknownst to Plaintiff at the time, Mr. Brunnhuber was released from his employment on June 6, 2014. (ECF Nos. 30 ¶ 445; 33 ¶ 445.) Plaintiff decided to resign from her position on the morning of June 17, 2014, approximately two weeks after Mr. Brunnhuber had visited the site to investigate. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 264, 266; 30 ¶¶ 264, 266.) Plaintiff declined to participate in an exit interview. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶272-273, 276; 30 ¶¶ 272-273, 276.) Mr. Gathers and Mr. Emerick, in the absence of Mr. Brunnhuber, continued to investigate by emailing Mr. Hileman and Jeff Miller on June 19 and 20 of 2014, and these messages were forwarded to Mr. Refiner when he returned to work for Defendant as the Human Resource Manager. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 277; 30 ¶ 277.)
Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the Court cannot conclude that Defendant did not exercise reasonable care in handling Plaintiffs complaint during the 2014 season. When Plaintiff raised her complaints, Defendant responded promptly and accommodated Plaintiffs requests. Defendant was in the process of investigating Plaintiffs complaint regarding the Hurt Feelings Report when she decided to voluntarily resign, only two weeks after Mr. Brunn-huber had visited the site to investigate. See, e.g., Smith,
Second, Plaintiff unreasonably faded to take advantage of any preventive or corrective opportunities provided by the employer or to avoid harm otherwise. According to Plaintiff, Mr. Stamm began to sexually harass her in 2010. (EOF No. 30 ¶ 355.) Plaintiff did not report Mr. Stamm’s conduct until “the beginning of the 2011 construction season,” at which time she and two of her male co-workers discussed Mr. Stamm’s use of profanity and the mooning incident with Mr. Flood and Ms. Dick. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 68, 70-72; 30 ¶¶ 68, 70-72, 373, 375; 33 ¶ 373, 375.) “Such a delay, without sufficient explanation, is unreasonable.” Cacciola,
In sum, because the undisputed facts demonstrate that Defendant exercised reasonable care to prevent and promptly correct any sexually harassing behavior and because Plaintiff unreasonably failed to take advantage of Defendant’s preventative opportunities, Defendant has established the Faragher-Ellerth affirmative defense. Plaintiff has therefore only been able to minimally establish the first prong, as discussed supra, and the third prong, which the parties do not dispute, of her hostile work environment claim. Her claim therefore fails as a matter of law, and the Court will grant Defendant’s motion for summary judgment.
2. Constructive Discharge
Constructive discharge represents a “ ‘worse case’ harassment scenario, harassment ratcheted up to the breaking point.” Pennsylvania State Police v. Suders,
As discussed extensively above, Defendant exercised reasonable care to prevent and correctly promptly any sexually harassing behavior that occurred. Plaintiff cannot establish that there were any threats of termination or suggested resignation, demotions, reductions in pay and benefits, transfer to less desirable positions, alteration of job responsibilities, .and/or poor performance evaluations. Indeed, the undisputed material facts establish that Defendant granted Plaintiff paid leave while it conducted its investigation in 2013, granted Plaintiffs requests to transfer to another job site that was closer to her home, and ensured that she received the same rate of pay following her reassignment. Plaintiff confirmed that “it would be fine” if Mr. Stamm drove through her job site as long as someone informed her when he would be present, and she stated that the conditions of her reassignment were otherwise favorable. (See ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 185-187; 30 ¶¶ 185-187; 33 ¶¶ 185-187.) The Court further notes ' that Plaintiff cannot use Mr. Stamm’s conduct as the basis for her resignation because she had not had any contact with Mr. Stamm since June 25, 2013, and Defendant terminated Mr. Stamm’s employment in October 2013 when he violated the Last Chance Agreement by using profanities on the job. Plaintiff returned to work for Defendant during the 2014 season. A reasonable jury therefore could not conclude that the conditions related to Mr. Stamm’s behavior were so unpleasant or difficult that a reasonable person would have felt compelled to resign. Colwell,
During the 2014 season, Defendant reassigned Plaintiff to a location that was closer to her home when she complained about the commute to her assignment. In granting Plaintiffs reassignment and transfer requests, Defendant did not reduce her pay. Despite Plaintiffs complaints regarding Mr. Eyerly and Mr. Crain, the undisputed facts reveal that Plaintiff worked 153 hours, including 11.5 hours of overtime, and had an average hourly pay of $24.601 in May 2014. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 228; 30 ¶ 228.) During the same month, Mr. Eyerly worked 81.5 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly pay rate, of $21.373; Mr. Crain worked 90 hours, received no overtime, and had an average hourly rate of $20.862. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 229-230; 30 ¶¶ 229-230.)
Plaintiff cites to the Hurt Feelings Report and her co-workers’ conduct in mocking her as the basis for her resignation in
As discussed above, Plaintiffs receipt of the Hurt Feelings Report, while inappropriate, is insufficient to rise to the level of establishing a hostile work environment that was severe and pervasive. Similarly, as discussed above, Plaintiffs allegations that her co-workers made fun of her and mimicked her while she was being trained to use a roller are insufficient to establish a hostile work environment. Plaintiffs claim for constructive discharge therefore fails as a matter of law. See Greer,
3. Retaliation
Title VII’s anti-retaliation provision declares it to be an “unlawful employment practice” for a covered employer “to discriminate against” an employee “because he [or she] has opposed any practice made an unlawful employment practice” by Title VII, or “because he [or she] has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing” thereunder. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3(a). To establish a violation of Title VII’s anti-retaliation provision, a plaintiff must show that: (1) she engaged in conduct entitled to statutory protection; (2) the employer responded by taking a “materially adverse” action (or a series of “materially adverse” actions) against her; and (3) there was a causal connection between her statutorily-protected conduct and the defendant’s “materially adverse” action (or series of “materially adverse” actions). Estate of Oliva v. Dept. of Law & Public Safety,
With respect to the causal connection element, the court may consider “a broad array of evidence.” Farrell v. Planters Lifesavers Co.,
Plaintiffs filing of a complaint with the EEOC satisfies the first element of her claim for retaliation. Shellenberger v. Summit Bancorp, Inc.,
According to Plaintiff, she suffered two adverse actions in 2014, “namely the refusal to call her back to work and the activities following the Hurt Feelings Report.” (ECF No. 29 at 77.) Specifically, Plaintiff asserts that Defendant took a materially adverse action against her because her crew started early in the season with younger, less experienced males and because Defendant submitted her to roller work. (Id. at 78-79.)
The Court finds that Plaintiff has failed to satisfy the second element of her claim for retaliation because there is no evidence that Defendant took a “materially adverse” action against Plaintiff by calling her back to work for the 2014 season. The only evidence upon which Plaintiff relies to support her argument that younger, less experienced males started early in the season is her testimony that she contacted Mr. Flood in March 2014 because she was unable to sign up for unemployment compensation. (ECF No. 30-2 at 22-23.) Mr. Flood told Plaintiff that she could work on a project in DuBois but stated that he was unsure of the starting date because of the weather. (Id. at 23.) Either Mr. Flood or Mr. Shields followed up with Plaintiff to provide her with the dates of the job, and Plaintiff reported to work on April 28, 2014. (Id. at 23, 26.) Plaintiff states in her affidavit, “I learned through conversations with coworkers that my old crew ... had
The Court also finds that there is no evidence that Defendant took a “materially adverse” action against Plaintiff by training her on roller work. In support of her argument, Plaintiff relies upon her statement that she was directed to operate the equipment on her own, at night, because she had been “seeking a ‘man’s job.’ ” (ECF No. 30-8 at 15.) However, Plaintiff testified that Jeff Heilman had contacted her about a job in Somerset. (ECF No. 30-9 at 32.) When Mr. Heilman said, “I hear you don’t want to run roller,” Plaintiff responded, “Not that I don’t want to run roller, [but] I wasn’t trained the way you told me I would be trained.” (Id.) Mr. Flood then contacted Plaintiff and said “they would let me ride on [the] roller for a few nights on night shift to learn how to run a roller.” (Id.) When Plaintiff arrived at the job, she was told to run the small roller “and that was their training program on the roller.” (Id.) Even in viewing these facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the Court cannot conclude that Defendant took a materially adverse action against Plaintiff by permitting her to train on a roller during the night shift.
Even if Plaintiff could establish that Defendant took materially adverse actions against her by calling her back to work for the 2014 season and by training her on roller work, she cannot demonstrate a causal connection between her statutorily-protected conduct and Defendant’s actions. As discussed above, Plaintiff filed her complaint with the EEOC in June or July 2013. (ECF Nos. 25 ¶ 6; 30 ¶¶ 6, 485; 33 ¶ 485.) Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the earliest time period that Defendant’s materially adverse action could have occurred was in March 2014, eight months after Plaintiff filed her complaint. Such a lengthy period of time is not suggestive of a causal connection between the events. See, e.g., Flory v. Pinnacle Health Hospitals,
4. Punitive Damages
As noted above, Plaintiff seeks an award of punitive damages. Defendant seeks summary judgment, arguing that Plaintiff cannot establish that Defendant engaged in a discriminatory practice with malice or with reckless indifference to Plaintiffs federally protected rights because it made good-faith efforts to comply with Title VII through the adoption and implementation of its unlawful harassment policies and procedures. (ECF No. 26 at 96-97.) Because judgment will be granted to Defendant on all of Plaintiffs claims, the punitive damages claim will be dismissed.
VI. Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff has not provided sufficient evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to her as the non-moving party, to allow the Court to determine that she has established a prima facie case for hostile work environment, constructive discharge, and retaliation claims under Title VII. Accordingly, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is GRANTED as to Plaintiffs Title VII claims for hostile work environment, constructive discharge, and retaliation. Defendant’s motion to strike portions of Plaintiffs affidavit is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, and Defendant’s motion to strike Monica Graham’s affidavit is DENIED.
An appropriate order follows.
ORDER
AND NOW, this 17th day of March, 2016, upon consideration of Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Ine.’s motion to strike portions, of Plaintiffs affidavit (ECF No. 35), motion to strike Monica Graham’s affidavit (ECF No. 37), and motion for summary judgment (ECF No. 24), and upon consideration of the parties’ briefing of Defendant’s motions (ECF Nos. 25, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40), and for the reasons set forth in the accompanying memorandum, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED as follows:
(1) Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc.’s motion to strike portions of Plaintiffs affidavit (ECF No. 35) is GRANTED as to paragraph 95 and is DENIED in all . other respects.
(2) Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc.’s motion to strike Monica Graham’s affidavit (ECF No. 37) is DENIED.
(3) Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc.’s motion for summary judgment (ECF No. 24) is GRANTED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in favor of Defendant New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc. and against Plaintiff Suzette M. Bumbarger and shall mark this case closed.
. Plaintiff has withdrawn her failure to promote claim. (BCF No. 29 at 80.)
. The Court will not address Mr. Stamm’s statement that he was "not going to play with [Plaintiffs] p-y and make her happy like Charlie Taylor did.” (ECF Nos. 25 ¶¶ 149, 151; 30 ¶¶ 149, 151, 399-400; 33 ¶¶ 399-400.)
