Jenkins v. Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross

Apr 15, 1985

Docket 70619

Versions:369 N.W.2d 223

141 Mich. App. 785

P. J. Marutiak, J.

Defendants appeal as of right from a judgment entered on a jury award in favor of plaintiff in the amount of $850,000. Plaintiff’s suit alleged race discrimination in violation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.2101 et seq.; MSA 3.548(101) et seq., against his former, employer, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, and two of its employees, A. William Shafer, M.D., and Duane E. Johnson. 1

Plaintiff began his career at the Red Cross in 1948 as a Staff Technologist in the blood program. By 1958, he had advanced to Chief Medical Technologist. In 1964, he was appointed Assistant Administrator of the blood center. Over the years, plaintiff received excellent evaluations from his supervisors. In 1970, he was promoted to Blood Program Administrator. Executive Director Robert G. Wick, plaintiffs supervisor during those years, praised him for his performance in that position on several occasions.

As Blood Program Administrator, plaintiff was responsible for the entire Red Cross Blood Center. His duties included heading donor resources development, the nursing department, the blood center laboratory, blood distribution, vehicle maintenance, donor records, electronic data processing, supplies and purchasing, and overseeing the mobile unit assistance drivers.

In the fall of 1974, Wick was succeeded as Executive Director by defendant Johnson. Defendant Shafer became Medical Director and plaintiffs immediate supervisor in October, 1975. Shafer was responsible for operating the entire blood center. Shafer immediately took over responsibilities which had previously been plaintiffs, and by 1975, plaintiffs areas of responsibility had greatly decreased.

Shafer did not evaluate plaintiffs job performance in 1975 or 1976, and plaintiff received merit pay increases in those years. On June 5, 1977, Shafer issued plaintiffs first critical evaluation, in which he criticized plaintiff for inadequate supervision, overestimation of his subordinates and inadequate formulation and adherence to plans. Plaintiffs June, 1977, evaluation was the only negative one handed down by Shafer; the other department heads were deemed adequate or more than adequate in all areas.

Plaintiff responded that the evaluation was not a fair assessment, that he had not been permitted to function in the role of administrator, and had not been provided with specific information about his asserted deficiencies. Plaintiff protested the evaluation to Personnel Director Waymon Hughey. In October, 1977, plaintiff and Shafer met, and the new position of Director of Blood Program Relations was discussed. Shafer indicated that the salary would be equal to plaintiff’s current salary and that he would receive use of a car and a small expense account. Shafer urged plaintiff to accept the position.

Plaintiff told Shafer on October 19, 1977, that he was not interested in the position. Shafer said that he was dissatisfied with plaintiff’s performance as Blood Program Administrator and wanted to find another position for plaintiff so that he could hire a new administrator. Plaintiff told Shafer that he did not want to be forced into a fast decision about his career. Shafer said he expected an answer by November 7, 1977. On November 18, 1977, Shafer stated that plaintiff would have to either accept the transfer or resign.

Plaintiff met with defendant Johnson, who eventually determined that Shafer had acted within the scope of his authority. Plaintiff then requested a hearing before the Chapter Appeal Board, and the hearing was held in December, 1977. In the meantime, plaintiff commenced sick leave from his position as Blood Program Administrator.

In March, 1978, the appeal board chairman advised plaintiff that his new position awaited him. Johnson warned plaintiff on March 22, 1978, to accept the new job or be deemed to have resigned. Plaintiff wrote to Johnson on March 24, 1978, that he would not report to Shafer and would not resign. On June 23, 1978, plaintiff was terminated for failure to report to work.

Defendants’ motions for directed verdict at the close of plaintiff’s proofs and at the close of all proofs, and motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, were denied by the trial court. Defendants contend that they were entitled to a directed verdict or judgment notwithstanding the verdict because plaintiff failed to produce enough evidence to establish a case of race discrimination sufficient to send to the jury.

This Court’s review of a denial of a motion for a directed verdict is limited to whether the party opposing the motion offered evidence upon which reasonable minds could differ. Perry v Hazel Park Harness Raceway, 123 Mich App 542, 549; 332 NW2d 601 (1983). The test is whether, viewing the facts in a light most favorable to plaintiff, reasonable persons could reach a different conclusion. If so, the case is properly one for the jury. Plaintiff must be given the benefit of every reasonable inference that could be drawn from the evidence. Anderson v Gene Deming Motor Sales, Inc, 371 Mich 223, 229; 123 NW2d 768 (1963). The same standard of review applies where a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict has been denied. Anderson, supra; Goins v Ford Motor Co, 131 Mich App 185, 191-192; 347 NW2d 184 (1983).

It was plaintiff’s theory that defendants constructively discharged him and destroyed his 30-year career with the Red Cross in violation of § 202 of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.2202; MSA 3.548(202), which provides in part:

"(1) An employer shall not:

"(a) Fail or refuse to hire, or recruit, or discharge, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to employment, compensation, or a term, condition, or privilege of employment, because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status.

"(b) Limit, segregate, or classify an employee or appli cant for employment in a way which deprives or tends to deprive the employee or applicant of an employment opportunity, or otherwise adversely affects the status of an employee or applicant because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status.”

The burden of proof in an employment discrimination case was stated in Texas Dep’t of Community Affairs v Burdine, 450 US 248, 252-253; 101 S Ct 1089; 67 L Ed 2d 207 (1981), reaffirming the holding of McDonnell Douglas Corp v Green, 411 US 792; 93 S Ct 1817; 36 L Ed 2d 668 (1973): 2

"First, the plaintiff has the burden of proving by the preponderance of the evidence a prima facie case of discrimination. Second, if the plaintiff succeeds in proving the prima facie case, the burden shifts to the defendant 'to articulate some legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the employee’s rejection.’ * * * Third, should the defendant carry this burden, the plaintiff must then have an opportunity to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the legitimate reasons offered by the defendant were not its true reasons, but were a pretext for discrimination.”

In Michigan, there are at least two approaches for establishing a prima facie case of race discrimination: the disparate treatment theory and the intentional discrimination theory. These were described in Schipani v Ford Motor Co, 102 Mich App 606, 617; 302 NW2d 307 (1981):

"(1) Disparate treatment. To make a prima facie showing of discrimination, the one alleging disparate treatment must show that he was a member of the class entitled to protection under the act and that, for the same or similar conduct, he was treated differently than one who was a member of a different race. Pompey v General Motors Corp, 385 Mich 537, 542, 549; 189 NW2d 243 (1971). (2) Intentional discrimination. Here, plaintiff must show that he was a member of the affected class, that he was discharged, and that the person discharging him was predisposed to discriminate against persons in the affected class and had actually acted on that disposition in discharging him. Civil Rights Comm v Chrysler Corp, 80 Mich App 368, 373, fn 3; 263 NW2d 376 (1977).”

Plaintiff retains the burden of persuasion at all times. Burdine, supra, p 255. Plaintiff’s burden is to show by a preponderance of the evidence that he was constructively discharged because of race, but he need not show that race was the exclusive cause. See Gallaway v Chrysler Corp, 105 Mich App 1, 5-6; 306 NW2d 368 (1981), lv den 413 Mich 853 (1982). A prima facie case may be established by circumstantial evidence.

Under the McDonnell Douglas formula, the plaintiff’s initial burden is to show by a preponderance of the evidence that a prima facie case of discrimination exists. See Clark v Uniroyal Corp, 119 Mich App 820, 824; 327 NW2d 372 (1982). If plaintiff satisfies the burden, it shifts to defendants to articulate some legitimate nondiscriminatory reason why plaintiff was rejected, or someone else preferred. Burdine, supra, p 254; Clark v Uniroyal, supra, p 824. Plaintiff then has the opportunity to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the legitimate reasons articulated were not defendants’ true reasons, but were a pretext for discrimination. Plaintiff may demonstrate pretext either directly, by persuading the jury that a discriminatory reason more likely motivated the employer, or by showing that the proffered reason is not worthy of credence. Burdine, supra, p 255; Clark v Uniroyal, supra, p 825. Plaintiff may introduce evi dence tending to show other discriminatory treatment by the defendants toward the plaintiff or other similarly situated employees, or a general pattern of discrimination against such employees. Clark v Uniroyal, supra, p 825, citing Boyd v Madison County Mutual Ins Co, 653 F2d 1173, 1178 (CA 7, 1981).

Applying these standards and viewing the evidence at trial in a light most favorable to plaintiff, we are persuaded that plaintiff carried his burden of proof sufficient to support an inference that defendants intentionally discriminated against him on the basis of race, or that defendants’ actions against plaintiff were motivated by racial considerations.

Plaintiff’s position was that he was constructively discharged from his employment and that defendants’ actions were motivated by racial prejudice. Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to plaintiff, a reasonable factfinder could determine that defendants intentionally made plaintiff’s job difficult, and then used his difficulties as a pretext for unfavorable evaluation and demotion. Reasonable minds could differ as to whether plaintiff was treated differently for the same or similar conduct as that of non-minority department heads. We believe that there was sufficient evidence of disparate treatment and racial animus to justify submission of the case to the jury. The trial court did not err in denying the motions for directed verdict and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

Defendants next contend that the jury award should be set aside because plaintiff failed to mitigate his damages by accepting the proffered posi tion of Director of Blood Program Relations. 3 Defendants assert that the job offered to plaintiff was substantially equivalent to his former position as Blood Program Administrator. Defendants assert that plaintiff was not constructively discharged, because no reasonable person in his position would have felt compelled to resign. Defendants conclude that the trial court erred in submitting the issue of pecuniary damages to the jury. We do not agree.

Constructive discharge may be found where working conditions would have been so difficult or unpleasant that a reasonable person in the employee’s shoes would have felt compelled to resign. Held v Gulf Oil Co, 684 F2d 427, 432 (CA 6, 1982); Clark v Marsh, 214 US App DC 350, 355; 665 F2d 1168, 1173 (1981); Jacobs v Martin Sweets Co, Inc, 550 F2d 364 (CA 6, 1977), cert den 431 US 917 (1977); LeGalley v Bronson Community Schools, 127 Mich App 482, 487; 339 NW2d 223 (1983). A finding of constructive discharge depends on the facts of each case. Held, supra; Jacobs, supra. Constructive discharge requires inquiry into the intent of the employer and the reasonably foreseeable impact of the employer’s conduct on the employee. Held, supra. An employer is held to intend the reasonably foreseeable consequences of his conduct. Id. Plaintiff can make a jury-submissible case for constructive discharge by showing discrimination plus aggravating circumstances. See Bourque v Powell Electrical Manufacturing Co, 617 F2d 61 (CA 5, 1980); Clark v Marsh, supra, 214 US App DC 350, 355-356; 665 F2d 1168, 1173-1174.

In the present case plaintiff was told that he would have to either accept the position of Direc tor of Blood Program Relations or resign. The proffered position involved responsibility for hospital-client relationships, responsibility for the blood center distribution department, involvement in blood center planning and development, and involvement in analysis and development of blood center relationships with regional and national blood programs. The job was originally budgeted at a $20,000 annual salary, but was subsequently offered to plaintiff at his $30,000 salary. The position was ultimately filled 1-1/2 years later at a salary of $17,500. The position no longer exists, although defendant Shafer testified that the functions are still in existence.

Shafer originally told plaintiff that the job was equivalent to jobs held by other department heads and that it was an important position. Shafer told a civil rights investigator that the job was a demotion and that the car and expense account were added to induce plaintiff to view it as a promotion.

Defendants argue that there was no constructive discharge because the position offered to plaintiff was the substantial equivalent of his position as Blood Program Administrator. The "substantial equivalent” of the position from which a claimant is discriminatorily discharged must give him virtually identical promotion opportunities, compensation, job responsibilities, working conditions and status. Rasimas v Michigan Dep’t of Mental Health, 714 F2d 614, 624 (CA 6, 1983), citing Ford Motor Co v Equal Employment Opportunity Comm, 458 US 219; 102 S Ct 3057; 73 L Ed 2d 721 (1982). The claimant need not accept a demotion to avoid forfeiture of his right to a back pay award. Rasimas, supra, p 624.

In view of the testimony that the new position offered to plaintiff was a demotion and that his responsibilities were severely reduced after Shafer arrived, we believe a reasonable factfinder could conclude that the new position was not the substantial equivalent of the position of Blood Program Administrator.

We conclude that a finding of constructive discharge is supported by the evidence and that plaintiff was not required to accept the position offered to him. A reasonable juror could conclude that the foreseeable impact of defendants’ conduct was that plaintiffs working conditions would become so difficult and unpleasant that he would be compelled to resign.

Ill

Defendants next contend that the jury award must be set aside because it was based on speculation and passion. Defendants assert that the verdict was excessive and that the trial court erred in denying their motion for remittitur.

This Court will reverse a trial judge’s decision to grant or deny remittitur only if there was an abuse of discretion. Stevens v Edward C Levy Co, 376 Mich 1, 6; 135 NW2d 414 (1965); Gillispie v Board of Tenant Affairs of the Detroit Housing Comm, 122 Mich App 699, 704; 332 NW2d 474 (1983) , lv den 417 Mich 1100.37 (1983). A reviewing court will substitute its judgment for that of the jury only where the verdict has been secured by improper methods, prejudice or sympathy, or where it is so excessive as to "shock the judicial conscience”. Gillispie, supra. Where a verdict is within the range of evidence produced at trial, this Court will not reverse it as excessive and against the great weight of evidence. Kovacs v Chesapeake & OR Co, 134 Mich App 514, 542; 351 NW2d 581 (1984) .

Upon a review of the record, we conclude that the trial judge did not abuse his discretion in denying remittitur. It is well established that victims of discrimination may recover for humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, disappointment and other forms of mental anguish which flow from the discrimination. See Slayton v Michigan Host, Inc, 122 Mich App 411, 416-417; 332 NW2d 498 (1983). In this case, assuming that the jury accepted plaintiffs calculation of $362,000 for lost wages, approximately $500,000 of the verdict was for noneconomic damages. We find that the evidence of plaintiffs damages supports the award. Defendants have failed to assert facts which suggest any impropriety or prejudice on the part of the jury. Gillispie, supra.

Defendants next contend that the trial court erred in failing to dismiss individual defendants Johnson and Shafer. We do not agree.

An employer is defined in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act as a person who has one or more employees, and it includes an agent of that person. MCL 37.2201(a); MSA 3.548(201)(a). Defendants Johnson and Shafer moved for a directed verdict on the ground that they were not employers within the meaning of § 201(a). The trial court denied the motions, relying on Munford v James T Barnes & Co, 441 F Supp 459 (ED Mich, 1977).

We find that Munford controls and that the trial court properly denied the motions for a directed verdict. The Munford court construed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC 2000e(b), which defines an employer as one who has 15 or more employees and includes any agent of such a person. The court held that if a person has responsibility for making personnel decisions for the company, he is an agent within the statutory definition of an employer, at least for that purpose. Munford, supra, p 466. We find that, under Mun-ford, defendants Shafer and Johnson were responsible for making personnel decisions affecting plaintiff, and were agents within the meaning of § 201(a). This Court has examined defendants’ attempts to distinguish Munford and policy arguments against application of Munford in the present case, and finds them to be without merit.

Defendants finally contend that the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is in violation of the single-object and equal protection clauses of the Michigan Constitution. Const 1963, art 1, § 2, and art 4, § 24. For the reasons set forth in Seals v Henry Ford Hospital, 123 Mich App 329; 333 NW2d 272 (1983), we reject that contention.

Plaintiff argues in his cross-appeal that the trial court abused its discretion in failing to award reasonable attorney fees under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. MCL 37.2802; MSA 3.548(802) provides:

"A court, in rendering a judgment in an action brought pursuant to this article, may award all or a portion of the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees and witness fees, to the complainant in the action if the court determines that the award is appropriate.”

The decision to grant or deny an award of attorney fees under this section is discretionary with the trial court. King v General Motors Corp, 136 Mich App 301, 308; 356 NW2d 626 (1984). The purpose of the provision is to encourage persons deprived of their civil rights to seek legal redress, to ensure victims of employment discrimination access to the courts, and to obtain compliance with the act and thereby deter discrimination in the work force. King, supra, pp 307-308.

In the present case, we find that the trial court properly exercised and did not abuse its discretion in declining to award attorney fees. Wood v Detroit Automobile Inter-Insurance Exchange, 413 Mich 573, 588; 321 NW2d 653 (1982); King, supra.

Our resolution of this case makes it unnecessary to address the remaining two issues raised in plaintiffs cross-appeal.

Affirmed.

Notes

The lawsuit was commenced in August, 1979, against defendants-appellants and two volunteer chapter chairmen of the Red Cross. In addition to race discrimination, plaintiff alleged age discrimination, tortious interference with contract relations, injurious falsehood, libel and conspiracy. At the close of plaintiff’s proofs, all claims against the chapter chairmen were dismissed and all claims except race discrimination were dismissed against defendants-appellants.

It is appropriate to rely on federal precedent in deciding discrimination cases. See Civil Rights Comm v Chrysler Corp, 80 Mich App 368, 375, fn 4; 263 NW2d 376 (1977).

Plaintiff did mitigate his damages to some extent by accepting a position as Wayne County Rat Inspector at an annual salary of $17,500.