Case: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Harmony Hospitality, LLC

1:24-cv-00357 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama

Filed Date: June 13, 2024

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This is one of several cases originally brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Biden Administration to enforce Title VII’s prohibition of sex-based workplace discrimination against transgender employees. In these cases, the EEOC’s position was that discrimination on account of gender identity and sexuality necessarily constituted sex-based discrimination in violation of Title VII. After Present Donald Trump was elected, the EEOC reversed its position and mo…

This is one of several cases originally brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Biden Administration to enforce Title VII’s prohibition of sex-based workplace discrimination against transgender employees. In these cases, the EEOC’s position was that discrimination on account of gender identity and sexuality necessarily constituted sex-based discrimination in violation of Title VII. After Present Donald Trump was elected, the EEOC reversed its position and moved to dismiss these cases, which are available here.

On June 13, 2024, the EEOC filed this lawsuit against Harmony Hospitality LLC, which operates a hotel in Dothan, Alabama, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. The EEOC filed this lawsuit on behalf of Defendant’s former employee, a non-binary gay male who worked as an auditor. He alleged for most of his employment, he came to work dressed in a style that conformed with male gender stereotypes. Then, when he came in for a last-minute meeting dressed in a style that did not conform with male gender stereotypes, the Defendant’s owners learned for the first time about his sexual orientation and gender identity, and fired him that same day. The EEOC’s lawsuit alleged that Defendant’s actions constituted the discrimination and unlawful discharge on account of his sex, sexuality, gender identity, and failure to adhere to male gender stereotypes in violation of Title VII. The EEOC sought compensatory, emotional distress, and punitive damages for the former employee and a permanent injunction to (1) prevent the Defendant from engaging in employment practices that discriminate based on sex, sexuality, or gender identity, (2) prevent the Defendant from engaging in unlawful retaliation, and (3) affirmatively require the Defendant to implement policies, practices, and programs to provide equal employment opportunities for all workers regardless of sex and gender identity. This case was assigned to Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan.

The Defendant filed its answer to the EEOC’s complaint on September 3, 2024, and the Court set a discovery schedule, with jury trial set to begin in February 2026.

However, after President Trump was inaugurated to his second term on January 20, 2025, he issued several Executive Orders that declared the Administration's reversal on several issues relating to gender identity (EO 14201, Keeping Men out of Women's Sports; EO 14187, Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, and EO 14168, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government).  On January 28, 2025, the EEOC issued a press release, "Removing Gender Ideology and Restoring the EEOC’s Role of Protecting Women in the Workplace," indicating the ways in which the EEOC would implement the Executive Orders.

In response to the change in administration and federal guidance, the EEOC filed a joint motion with the Defendant to dismiss this case on February 13, 2025, arguing that discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexuality did not constitute sex-based discrimination in violation of Title VII.

Following a hearing on the motion, on February 20, 2025, the Court ordered that the former employee in this case would have thirty days to file a motion to intervene as a named Plaintiff. This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Sarah Portwood (2/21/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68852393/parties/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-harmony-hospitality-llc/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Davis, Artur G. (Alabama)

DePorter, Hayden Green (Alabama)

Grayson, Bryan Andrew (Alabama)

Harrison, Adam Murdoch-Kitt (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Black, Hannah Elizabeth (Alabama)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:24-cv-00357

Complaint

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Harmony Hospitality, LLC

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

Complaint
23

1:24-cv-00357

Joint Motion to Dismiss EEOC Litigation

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68852393/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-harmony-hospitality-llc/

Last updated April 21, 2025, 3:47 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Harmony Hospitality, LLC, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 90 day Rule 4m deadline set for 9/11/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Civil Cover Sheet) (Rucker, Marsha) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

1 Exhibit Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

Clearinghouse
2

Corporate/Conflict Disclosure Statement by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Rucker, Marsha) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

PACER
3

Case assigned to Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan. (GGN) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

PACER
4

NOTICE of Assignment to Magistrate Judge sent to counsel for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (GGN) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

PACER
5

NOTICE of Appearance by Jay Kucia on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Kucia, Jay) (Entered: 06/14/2024)

June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024

PACER
6

REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Service sent to Hitesh Patel, Registered Agent for Harmony Hospitality, LLC on 06/26/2024 by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Waiver of Service due by 7/26/2024. (Rucker, Marsha) (Entered: 07/01/2024)

July 1, 2024

July 1, 2024

PACER
7

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Harmony Hospitality, LLC waiver sent on 6/26/2024, answer due 8/26/2024. (Rucker, Marsha) (Entered: 08/12/2024)

Aug. 12, 2024

Aug. 12, 2024

PACER
8

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with JURY DEMAND by Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Hazelton, Jeremy) Modified on 10/11/2024 to add jury demand (AM). (Entered: 09/03/2024)

Sept. 3, 2024

Sept. 3, 2024

RECAP
9

ORDER: the parties are DIRECTED to complete and return the appropriate form so that it is received by the Clerk of Court on or before September 16, 2024, as further set out in the Order. Do NOT electronically file the consent form nor reassignment form into the record. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 9/4/24. (GGN) (Entered: 09/04/2024)

Sept. 4, 2024

Sept. 4, 2024

PACER
10

NOTICE of Assignment to Magistrate Judge sent to counsel for Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (AM) (Entered: 09/23/2024)

Sept. 23, 2024

Sept. 23, 2024

PACER
11

ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the parties consent or request reassignment no later than 9/27/2024. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 9/23/2024. (AM) (Entered: 09/23/2024)

Sept. 23, 2024

Sept. 23, 2024

PACER
12

Notice of Deficiency requiring filing of Corporate Disclosure/Conflict Statement sent to Harmony Hospitality, LLC; Corporate Disclosures due by 10/4/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order and Sample Format)(AM) (Entered: 09/24/2024)

Sept. 24, 2024

Sept. 24, 2024

PACER
13

CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge by Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (GGN) (Entered: 09/27/2024)

Sept. 27, 2024

Sept. 27, 2024

PACER
14

CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (GGN) (Entered: 09/27/2024)

Sept. 27, 2024

Sept. 27, 2024

PACER
15

ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the parties' Rule 26(f) report must be filed no later than October 15, 2024, as further set out in the Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 9/30/24. (GGN) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

PACER
16

ORDER: Harmony Hospitality, LLC is hereby formally ORDERED to file a disclosure statement meeting the requirements of both Rule 7.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and General Order No. 3047 no later than October 15, 2024, as further set out. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 10/08/2024. (SCN) (Entered: 10/08/2024)

Oct. 8, 2024

Oct. 8, 2024

PACER
17

NOTICE of Appearance by William Trent Thompson on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Thompson, William) (Entered: 10/09/2024)

Oct. 9, 2024

Oct. 9, 2024

PACER
18

NOTICE of Appearance by Bryan Andrew Grayson on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Grayson, Bryan)

Oct. 11, 2024

Oct. 11, 2024

RECAP
19

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Attachments: (1) Appendix ESI Protocol) (Kucia, Jay)

1 Appendix ESI Protocol

View on RECAP

Oct. 15, 2024

Oct. 15, 2024

RECAP
20

SCHEDULING ORDER: Pretrial Conference set for 1/12/2026 10:00 AM in CR 5B before Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan; Jury Trial set for 2/2/2026 before Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan; Dispositive and Daubert Motions due by 8/25/2025; Mediation Notice due by 3/26/2025; Amended Pleadings due by the Plaintiff 11/29/2024; and due by the Defendant 12/27/2024; Discovery due by 7/25/2025, as further set out in Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 10/16/2024. (ES)

Oct. 16, 2024

Oct. 16, 2024

RECAP
21

NOTICE to Take Deposition of Rhonda Reliford by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Kucia, Jay)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

RECAP
22

NOTICE of Appearance by Hannah Elizabeth Black on behalf of Harmony Hospitality, LLC (Black, Hannah)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
23

Joint MOTION to Dismiss by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Rucker, Marsha)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Clearinghouse
24

NOTICE of Correction re [22] Notice of Appearance to correct main pdf to reflect the correct case caption. (Attachments: (1) Corrected [22] Main Document)(AM)

1 Corrected [22] Main Document

View on RECAP

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
25

ORDER: it is hereby ORDERED that a telephonic status conference is set for February 19, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Dial-in information will be provided to all counsel of record. Participants should join at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 2/18/2025. (ES)

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

RECAP
26

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan: Status Conference (via Telephone) held on 2/19/2025 (PDF available for court use only). (Recording Time 2:30 - 2:38.) (ES)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER
27

ORDER: it is ORDERED that charging party "D.A." shall be afforded a period of thirty days from the date hereof to file a motion to intervene as the named plaintiff. It is further ORDERED that the EEOC must provide charging party "D.A." with a copy of this Order via electronic mail, regular mail, and certified mail-submitting proof of all such service to the court no later than March 6, 2025, as further set out in order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 2/20/2025. (ES)

Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

RECAP
28

NOTICE by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission re [27] Order,, (Attachments: (1) Exhibit Email to Charging Party, (2) Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt and Tracking Info, (3) Exhibit Copies of Envelopes for Mailings) (Rucker, Marsha)

1 Exhibit Email to Charging Party

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt and Tracking Info

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit Copies of Envelopes for Mailings

View on RECAP

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

RECAP
29

ORDER: Upon review and consideration of the Notice of Service (Doc. [28]), it is ORDERED that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must submit unredacted versions of Exhibits 1 through 3 (Docs. [28]-1 through [28]-3) to the clerk of court for conventional filing under seal. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 3/10/2025. (SCN)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

RECAP
30

MOTION to Intervene filed by David Ardis. (Davis, Artur)

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

RECAP
31

Notice of Deficiency requiring filing of Corporate Disclosure/Conflict Statement sent to David Ardis Corporate Disclosures due by 3/24/2025. (Attachments: (1) Standing Order and Sample Format)(TPS)

1 Standing Order and Sample Format

View on RECAP

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

RECAP

Pursuant to 30 Motion -Attorney Adam M. Harrison,Hayden G. DePorter for David Ardis added. (TPS)

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

PACER
32

NOTICE to Counsel- Pro Hac Vice Admission. (Sent electronically to Adam M. Harrison, and Hayden G. DePorter) (TPS)

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

RECAP
33

TEXT ORDER: This matter is hereby set for a telephonic status conference on March 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Dial-in information will be provided to counsel by email. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 3/14/2025. (TPS)

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

PACER

Add and Terminate Attorneys

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

PACER

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

PACER
34

Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 100 receipt number AALMDC-3824604.) by David Ardis. (Attachments: (1) CO Certificate of Good Standing - DePorter) (DePorter, Hayden)

1 CO Certificate of Good Standing - DePorter

View on RECAP

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
35

Corporate/Conflict Disclosure Statement by David Ardis re [31] Notice of Deficiency requiring filing of Corporate Disclosure/Conflict Statement. (Davis, Artur)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
36

Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 100 receipt number AALMDC-3824636.) by David Ardis. (Attachments: (1) CO Certificate of Good Standing - Harrison) (Harrison, Adam)

1 CO Certificate of Good Standing - Harrison

View on RECAP

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
37

NOTICE of Correction re [35] Conflict Disclosure Statement, to correct main pdf previously attached by e-filer. (Attachments: (1) Corrected [35] Main Document)(AM)

1 Corrected [35] Main Document

View on RECAP

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
38

NOTICE of Conventional Filing UNDER SEAL by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (HRR)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
39

TEX ORDER: GRANTING the 34 Motion for Leave of Hayden G. DePorter to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 3/21/2025. (AM) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER
40

TEXT ORDER: GRANTING the 36 Motion for Leave of Adam M. Harrison to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 3/21/2025. (AM) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER
41

ORDERED that the pending 30 motion by David Ardis to intervene as a named plaintiff is GRANTED; The clerk of court is DIRECTED to update the docket accordingly; It is hereby further ORDERED that the plaintiffs are afforded through April 4, 2025 to file an Amended Complaint reflecting the intervention, as further set out in Order; it is ORDERED that the 23 Joint Motion to Dismiss EEOC Litigation is DENIED AS MOOT. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 3/21/2025. (AM) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
42

NOTICE of Assignment to U.S. Magistrate Judge and Form to Decline Consent to the U.S. Magistrate Judge sent to counsel for David Ardis. Declination of Consent to Magistrate Judge due by 4/11/2025. (Attachments: # 1 General Order)(AM) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

1 General Order

View on RECAP

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
44

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Harmony Hospitality, LLC, filed by David Ardis. (Davis, Artur)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

RECAP
45

Notice of Deficiency Corporate Disc/Conflict Statement

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
46

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
47

Corporate/Conflict Disclosure Statement

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER
49

Order

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER
50

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER

Consent to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER
51

Answer to Amended Complaint

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government (Transgender Rights)

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 13, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Harmony Hospital LLC, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Discrimination Basis:

Gender identity

Sex discrimination

Sexual orientation

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Transgender

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+