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

Closed Date: July 14, 2025

Clearinghouse coding complete

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. On March 13, 2025, the former employee filed an official motion to intervene as the named plaintiff. The court granted this motion on March 21, 2025. Following this, the named plaintiff filed an amended complaint and the case name was changed to David Ardis v Harmony Hospitality.

On July 11, 2025, a stipulation of dismissal was filed with the court. The case was dismissed on July 14, 2025.

Summary Authors

Sarah Portwood (2/21/2025)

Jinan Abufarha (8/14/2025)

People

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


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)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
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/ardis-v-harmony-hospitality-llc-consent/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 4:48 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 June 13, 2024

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

Clearinghouse
2 June 13, 2024

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

RECAP
3 June 13, 2024

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

RECAP
4 June 13, 2024

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

RECAP
5 June 14, 2024

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

RECAP
6 July 1, 2024

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)

RECAP
7 Aug. 12, 2024

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)

RECAP
8 Sept. 3, 2024

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)

RECAP
9 Sept. 4, 2024

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)

RECAP
10 Sept. 23, 2024

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

RECAP
11 Sept. 23, 2024

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)

RECAP
12 Sept. 24, 2024

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)

RECAP
13 Sept. 27, 2024

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

RECAP
14 Sept. 27, 2024

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

RECAP
15 Sept. 30, 2024

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)

RECAP
16 Oct. 8, 2024

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)

RECAP
17 Oct. 9, 2024

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

RECAP
18 Oct. 11, 2024

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

RECAP
19 Oct. 15, 2024

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

1 Appendix ESI Protocol

View on RECAP

RECAP
20 Oct. 16, 2024

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)

RECAP
21 Jan. 21, 2025

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

RECAP
22 Feb. 13, 2025

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

RECAP
23 Feb. 13, 2025

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

Clearinghouse
24 Feb. 14, 2025

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

RECAP
25 Feb. 18, 2025

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)

RECAP
26 Feb. 19, 2025

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)

RECAP
27 Feb. 20, 2025

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)

RECAP
28 March 6, 2025

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

RECAP
29 March 10, 2025

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)

RECAP
30 March 13, 2025

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

RECAP
31 March 13, 2025

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

RECAP
March 13, 2025

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

March 13, 2025

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

32 March 14, 2025

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

RECAP
33 March 14, 2025

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)

RECAP
March 14, 2025

Add and Terminate Attorneys

March 14, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

34 March 19, 2025

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

RECAP
35 March 19, 2025

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

RECAP
36 March 19, 2025

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

RECAP
38 March 19, 2025

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

RECAP
37 March 20, 2025

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

RECAP
43 March 20, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan: Status Conference held via Telephone on 3/20/2025 (PDF available for court use only). (Recording Time 11:04 - 11:14.) (ES) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

RECAP
39 March 21, 2025

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)

RECAP
40 March 21, 2025

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)

RECAP
41 March 21, 2025

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)

RECAP
42 March 21, 2025

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

RECAP
March 21, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

44 April 4, 2025

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against Harmony Hospitality, LLC, filed by David Ardis. (Davis, Artur) Modified on 4/7/2025 to clarify text (AM). (Entered: 04/04/2025)

RECAP
45 April 7, 2025

Second Notice of Deficiency requiring filing of Corporate Disclosure/Conflict Statement sent to Harmony Hospitality, LLC; Corporate Disclosures due by 4/17/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order and Sample Format)(AM) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

RECAP
46 April 7, 2025

ORDER: it is ORDERED that the deficiency must be cured no later than April 17, 2025, as further set out in order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 4/7/2025. (ES) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

RECAP
47 April 17, 2025

Corporate/Conflict Disclosure Statement re 45 Second Notice of Deficiency requiring filing of Corporate Disclosure/Conflict Statement by Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Black, Hannah) Modified on 4/17/2025 to add link (HRR). (Entered: 04/17/2025)

RECAP
48 April 17, 2025

CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge by David Ardis, Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (NO PDF) (TPS) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

RECAP
49 April 17, 2025

ORDER: it is ORDERED that the deficiency must be cured no later than April 25, 2025. A template Disclosure Statement is available for download from the court's website, as further set out in order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 4/17/2025. (HRR) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

RECAP
50 April 17, 2025

ORDER: it is ORDERED that the parties must confer regarding any necessary adjustments to the trial setting and/or case deadlines as were imposed under the 20 Scheduling Order. It is further ORDERED that a "Report of Parties' Supplemental Planning Meeting" must be filed no later than April 28, 2025.. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 4/17/2025. (ES) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

RECAP
April 17, 2025

Consent to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge

51 April 18, 2025

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Black, Hannah) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

RECAP
52 April 25, 2025

Corporate/Conflict Disclosure Statement by Harmony Hospitality, LLC re 49 Order,. (Black, Hannah) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

RECAP
53 April 28, 2025

Joint REPORT of Supplemental Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting by David Ardis, Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Harrison, Adam) Modified on 4/28/2025 to add party names (TPS). (Entered: 04/28/2025)

RECAP
54 April 29, 2025

AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER: Final Pretrial Conference set for 1/12/2026 at 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; Discovery due by 10/27/2025. Daubert & Dispositive Motions due by 11/26/2025, as further set out. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 4/29/2025. (ES) Modified on 4/30/2025 to correct signature date (AM). (Entered: 04/29/2025)

RECAP
55 April 29, 2025

ORDER: it is hereby ORDERED that this action is referred to mediation with United States Magistrate Judge Kelly Fitzgerald Pate. It is further ORDERED specifically as follows that the parties must jointly contact Judge Pate's chambers, as further set out. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 4/29/2025. (ES) (Entered: 04/29/2025)

RECAP
56 May 8, 2025

ORDERED that mediation is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 5A, FMJ US Courthouse Complex, One Church Street, Montgomery, AL, as further set out in Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kelly F. Pate on 5/8/2025. (AM) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

RECAP
57 June 3, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Kelly F. Pate: Settlement Conference held on 6/3/2025 (PDF available for court use only). (KCF) (Entered: 06/06/2025)

RECAP
June 3, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Kelly F. Pate: Mediation Conference held on 6/3/2025 (No PDF attached). (KCF)

June 6, 2025

Mediation Conference

58 June 10, 2025

ORDERED that a status report be filed no later than June 12, 2025 or that the parties SHOW CAUSE for their failure to do so, as further set out in Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 6/9/2025. (AM) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

RECAP
59 June 11, 2025

JOINT STATUS REPORT by David Ardis & Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Harrison, Adam) Modified on 6/11/2025 to add joint filer (AM). (Entered: 06/11/2025)

RECAP
60 June 12, 2025

ORDERED that the parties must no later than July 11, 2025 either jointly file a stipulation of dismissal or jointly file a report on the status of finalizing settlement. It is further ORDERED that all deadlines in the 54 Amended Scheduling Order are stayed generally. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 6/12/2025. (AM) (Entered: 06/12/2025)

RECAP
61 July 11, 2025

STIPULATION of Dismissal by David Ardis & Harmony Hospitality, LLC. (Harrison, Adam) Modified on 7/11/2025 to add joint filer (AM). (Entered: 07/11/2025)

RECAP
July 11, 2025

Stipulation construed as a MOTION for an Order of Dismissal, pursuant to the 62 Order. (NO PDF) See doc 61 ) (AM)

62 July 14, 2025

ORDER: construing the 61 Stipulation for Dismissal as an order of dismissal; Upon consideration, it is hereby ORDERED that the construed motion is GRANTED such that this action is dismissed on the terms agreed to and set out by the parties, as further set out in Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chad W. Bryan on 7/14/2025. (TERM: ptc-01/12/2026;Jury Trial-02/02/2026)(AM) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

RECAP
July 14, 2025

Dismiss

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: Reversing Course on Existing Litigation

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 13, 2024

Closing Date: July 14, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

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

Private Entity/Person

Harmony Hospital LLC

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Alabama 1:24-cv-00357

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

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+

Recommended Citation