The Western District of Texas recently denied in part and granted in part a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss in the matter of Doe v. U.T. at San Antonio, No. 20-CV-1039-DAE (W.D. Tex. 9/27/2021). The Plaintiff sued UTSA based on several theories. He also sued two administrators in addition to the school itself. The
motion to dismiss
Paxton Loses Appeal (Not a Surprise)
Well, AG Ken Paxton lost another court hearing. I wrote about his loss at the district court level here. AG Paxton appealed that decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Austin. That court affirmed the denial of the motion to dismiss. Four senior level employees at the AG’s office complained to the…
Paxton Appeals Denial of Motion to Dismiss
Ken Paxton fired five of his senior assistants in 2020. Four of those five then filed suit alleging whistle blowing. I wrote then that it appeared to be a classic case of whistle blowing. Whistle blowing occurs when a worker reports a violation of criminal law by the employer and then suffers reprisal from that…
Fifth Circuit Affirms Dismissal
In a remarkable decision, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the grant of a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss. In Meadows v. City of Crowley, No. 10752 (5th Cir. 5/3/2018), the plaintiff submitted a 36 page complaint detailing how an African-American police officer was passed for promotion five times. On appeal, the plaintiff alleged that the district…
Eastland Court of Appeals Sustains Whistleblower Suit
Under the Texas Whistleblower Act, a person who works for a governmental entity and who reports violations of law is protected. Chad Carter worked for the City of Abilene as an engineer. He complained to his superiors that the city had hired contractors who were using unlicensed engineers. Using unlicensed engineers violates the Texas Engineering…
Western District Denies Motion to Dismiss
Mary Ellen Johnson worked at Southwest Research Institute for many years before she was fired. Some time before her termination, she complained about possible discrimination against her due to her gender. She filed an internal complaint with SWRI in June, 2012. She then filed a complaint with the EEOC on Aug. 3, 2012. Several days…
Dancers Settle Claims
Well, two dancers won their trial last March. So, now Tiffany’s Cabaret has settled with the remaining dancers. I previously wrote about this case and trial here. The dancers sought a collective action, which is the name for a class action under the Fair Labor Standards Act. About half the dancers could not join…
Houston Court Of Appeals Addresses Mixed Motive Cases
There are so many cases discussing the burden of proof in discrimination cases. It is even more complicated when the plaintiff is alleging mixed motives. Mixed motive cases refers to those cases that have a mix of motives, unlawful and lawful. For example, a plaintiff who alleges she was overlooked for a promotion due to…