Case: EEOC v. OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY INC

1:06-cv-00711 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Filed Date: March 28, 2006

Closed Date: March 5, 2009

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Case Summary

In March 2006, the Atlanta District Office of the EEOC filed this suit against Oglethorpe University, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia alleging discrimination on the basis of national origin in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the defendant enforced an "English-only" rule, requiring all its Hispanic housekeeping employees, including the three charging parties, to speak only English while working and by giving all their instructions in English. In addition, the defendant retaliated against one of the charging parties by disciplining her for her open opposition to the English-only policy, resulting in her termination. The charging parties intervened in the suit in April 2006. After much discovery, the parties participated in mediation in November 2006, and they reached a settlement through a consent decree in March 2007. The two-year decree, containing non-discrimination and non-retaliation clauses, required the defendant to: post a Title VII notice, provide instruction regarding compliance with the decree to all management personnel, report to the EEOC every six months, provide Title VII training to its administrative personnel, and discontinue its use of the English-only policy. In addition, the defendant agreed to provide the charging parties with neutral references and pay $46,779.20. The docket sheet doesn't show any further enforcement took place; the case was presumably closed in 2009.

Summary Authors

Michele Marxkors (6/13/2007)

Clearinghouse (6/13/2017)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4240991/parties/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-oglethorpe-university-inc/

Judge(s)

Evans, Orinda Dale (Georgia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alfred-George, Pamela A (Georgia)

Delemar, Isaiah D. (Georgia)

Duckett, Lakisha C. (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Dodd, Burton F. (Georgia)

Judge(s)

Evans, Orinda Dale (Georgia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alfred-George, Pamela A (Georgia)

Delemar, Isaiah D. (Georgia)

Duckett, Lakisha C. (Georgia)

Kiel, Gerald S. (Georgia)

Tallman, Tisha Rae (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Dodd, Burton F. (Georgia)

Farmer, Robyn Wilensky (Georgia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:06-cv-00711	Docket EEOC v. Oglethorpe University Inc	March 6, 2007	March 6, 2007 Docket
1-1 1:06-cv-00711	Complaint EEOC v. Oglethorpe University Inc	March 28, 2006	March 28, 2006 Complaint
6 1:06-cv-00711	Complaint in Intervention EEOC v. Oglethorpe University Inc	May 18, 2006	May 18, 2006 Complaint
68 1:06-cv-00711	Consent Decree EEOC v. Oglethorpe University Inc	March 5, 2007	March 5, 2007 Settlement Agreement

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
Under the Radar: Visibility and the Effects of Discrimination Lawsuits in Small and Large Firms Carly Knight, Frank Dobbin, Alexandra Kalev	Research on how discrimination lawsuits affect corporate diversity has yielded mixed results. Qualitative studies highlight the limited efficacy of lawsuits in the typical workplace, finding that lit…	March 2022	April 1, 2022 https://cris.tau.ac.il/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4240991/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-oglethorpe-university-inc/

Last updated July 21, 2026, 5:50 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	March 28, 2006	COMPLAINT with Jury Demand filed. Consent form to proceed before U.S. Magistrate and pretrial instructions provided., filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(aar) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions. (Entered: 03/29/2006) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	RECAP
2	April 4, 2006	ORDER that as the EEOC has filed this case as a class action, the Court will not follow its regular procedure of referring this case to a Magistrate Judge, but may refer portions of the case to Magistrate Judge Scofield at a later date. Signed by Judge Orinda D. Evans on 4/3/06. (fmm) (Entered: 04/04/2006)	RECAP
3	April 12, 2006	MOTION to Intervene as Plaintiffs by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Intervenor Complaint)(fmm) (Entered: 04/12/2006) 1 Proposed Intervenor Complaint View on PACER	RECAP
4	April 12, 2006	NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT TO FILE ELECTRONICALLY pursuant to Standing Order 04-01 as to Tisha Rae Tallman re 3 MOTION to Intervene. (fmm) (Entered: 04/12/2006)	RECAP
5	May 18, 2006	ORDER granting 3 Motion to Intervene. The Clerk is hereby directed to file the Complaint in Intervention submitted with the Motion as of the date of this Order. Signed by Judge Orinda D. Evans on 5/16/06. (ddm) (Entered: 05/18/2006)	RECAP
6	May 18, 2006	Intervenor COMPLAINT against Oglethorpe University, Inc., filed by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(ddm) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions. (Entered: 05/18/2006)	RECAP
7	May 30, 2006	ANSWER to Complaint by Oglethorpe University, Inc.. Discovery ends on 10/27/2006.(Farmer, Robyn) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions. (Entered: 05/30/2006)	RECAP
8	May 31, 2006	NOTICE of Appearance by Burton Freeman Dodd on behalf of Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 05/31/2006)	RECAP
9	June 8, 2006	ANSWER to Intervenor Complaint by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions. (Entered: 06/08/2006)	RECAP
10	June 9, 2006	NOTICE of Withdrawal of Attorney Gerald Kiel by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (hfm) (Entered: 06/12/2006)	RECAP
11	June 12, 2006	NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT TO FILE ELECTRONICALLY pursuant to Standing Order 04-01 as to Gerald S. Kiel re 10 Notice of Withdrawal. (hfm) (Entered: 06/12/2006)	RECAP
12	June 30, 2006	Initial Disclosures by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.(Duckett, Lakisha) (Entered: 06/30/2006)	RECAP
13	July 6, 2006	Certificate of Interested Persons by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez. (Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 07/06/2006)	RECAP
14	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Request for Production of Documents to Alba Hernandez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
15	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Interrogatories to Alba Hernandez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
16	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Interrogatories to Santa Lopez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
17	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Request for Production of Documents to Santa Lopez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
18	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Interrogatories to Eva Rodriguez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
19	July 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Defendant's First Request for Production of Documents to Eva Rodriguez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 07/07/2006)	RECAP
20	July 11, 2006	Initial Disclosures by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 07/11/2006)	RECAP
21	July 14, 2006	PRELIMINARY REPORT AND DISCOVERY SCHEDULE filed by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Oglethorpe University, Inc.. (Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 07/14/2006)	RECAP
22	July 14, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 07/14/2006)	RECAP
23	July 17, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Plaintiff EEOC's First Interrogatories and Request for the Production of Documents to Defendant by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.(Duckett, Lakisha) (Entered: 07/17/2006)	RECAP
24	Aug. 4, 2006	Initial Disclosures by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/04/2006)	RECAP
25	Aug. 7, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 08/07/2006)	RECAP
26	Aug. 11, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Plaintiff-Intervenors' First Request for Admissions by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 08/11/2006)	RECAP
27	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff's EEOC's First Interrogatories by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
28	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Responses to Plaintiff EEOC's First Request for Production of Documents by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
29	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Responses to Plaintiff-Intervenors' First Request for Admissions by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
30	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Alba Hernandez' First Set of Interrogatories by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
31	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Alba Hernandez' First Request for Production of Documents by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
32	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Eva Rodriguez' First Set of Interrogatories by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
33	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Eva Rodriguez' First Request for Production of Documents by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
34	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Santa Lopez' First Set of Interrogatories by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
35	Aug. 16, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Objections and Answers to Plaintiff-Intervenor Santa Lopez' First Request for Production of Documents by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/16/2006)	RECAP
36	Aug. 18, 2006	NOTICE to Take Deposition of Santa Lopez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/18/2006)	RECAP
37	Aug. 18, 2006	NOTICE to Take Deposition of Alba Hernandez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/18/2006)	RECAP
38	Aug. 18, 2006	NOTICE to Take Deposition of Eva Rodriguez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 08/18/2006)	RECAP
39	Aug. 23, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (Amended) for Plaintiff-Intervenors' Responses to Defendant's Discovery Requests by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 08/23/2006)	RECAP
40	Aug. 23, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Withdrawal of Certificate of Service of Plaintiff-Intervenors' Duplicate First Request for Admissions filed on 08-11-06 by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 08/23/2006)	RECAP
41	Aug. 30, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE re: Amended NOTICE to Take Deposition of Santa Lopez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton). Modified on 8/31/2006 to correct docket text to accurately reflect e-filed pleading (rth). (Entered: 08/30/2006)	RECAP
42	Aug. 30, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE re: Amended NOTICE to Take Deposition of Eva Rodriguez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton). Modified on 8/31/2006 to correct docket text to accurately reflect e-filed pleading (rth). (Entered: 08/30/2006)	RECAP
43	Aug. 30, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE re: Amended NOTICE to Take Deposition of Alba Hernandez filed by Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Dodd, Burton. Modified on 8/31/2006 to correct docket text to accurately reflect e-filed pleading (rth). (Entered: 08/30/2006)	RECAP
44	Sept. 15, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Jim Ledbetter by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/15/2006)	RECAP
45	Sept. 15, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Lawrence Schall by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/15/2006)	RECAP
46	Sept. 15, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Linda Bucki by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/15/2006)	RECAP
47	Sept. 15, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Manuel Bonilla by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/15/2006)	RECAP
48	Sept. 15, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Renae Glass by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/15/2006)	RECAP
49	Sept. 18, 2006	NOTICE by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez of Representation by Isaiah Delemar (Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 09/18/2006)	RECAP
50	Sept. 28, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE First Request for Production of Documents to EEOC by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 09/28/2006)	RECAP
51	Sept. 28, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE First Interrogatories to EEOC by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 09/28/2006)	RECAP
52	Oct. 3, 2006	ORDER scheduling Mediation. Mediation Hearing set for 11/9/2006 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson in Room #2327, 23rd Floor, US Federal Bldg, 75 Spring St, Atlanta, GA. Signed by Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson on 10/3/06. (klb) (Entered: 10/03/2006)	RECAP
53	Oct. 4, 2006	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery and Related Deadlines by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Oglethorpe University, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order for Enlargement of Discovery and Related Deadlines)(Dodd, Burton) Modified on 10/5/2006 to delete duplicate text (rth). (Entered: 10/04/2006) 1 Text of Proposed Order for Enlargement of Discovery and Related Deadlines View on PACER	RECAP
54	Oct. 6, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Amended Notice of Deposition of Santa Lopez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 10/06/2006)	RECAP
55	Oct. 6, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Amended Notice of Deposition of Eva Rodriguez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 10/06/2006)	RECAP
56	Oct. 6, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Amended Notice of Deposition of Alba Hernandez by Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 10/06/2006)	RECAP
57	Oct. 12, 2006	NOTICE of Appearance by Isaiah D. Delemar on behalf of Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez (Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/12/2006)	RECAP
58	Oct. 23, 2006	ORDER granting 53 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery. Discovery ends on 1/12/2007. Signed by Judge Orinda D. Evans on 10/23/06. (smg) (Entered: 10/24/2006)	RECAP
59	Oct. 27, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Manuel Bonilla by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/27/2006)	RECAP
60	Oct. 27, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Renae Glass by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/27/2006)	RECAP
61	Oct. 27, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Lawrence Schall by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/27/2006)	RECAP
62	Oct. 27, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Linda Bucki by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez.(Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/27/2006)	RECAP
63	Oct. 27, 2006	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE for Notice of Deposition of Jim Ledbetter by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Oglethorpe University, Inc..(Delemar, Isaiah) (Entered: 10/27/2006)	RECAP
64	Nov. 9, 2006	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson : Settlement Conference held on 11/9/2006. The case settled. (klb) (Entered: 11/13/2006)	RECAP
65	Nov. 16, 2006	Notice for Leave of Absence for the following date(s): 11/20/06 - 11/24/06, by Lakisha C. Duckett. (Duckett, Lakisha) (Entered: 11/16/2006)	RECAP
66	Nov. 17, 2006	NOTICE by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez of Notice of Withdrawal of Counsel (Tallman, Tisha) (Entered: 11/17/2006)	RECAP
67	March 1, 2007	PROPOSED ORDER Consent Decree. (Duckett, Lakisha) (Entered: 03/01/2007)	RECAP
68	March 5, 2007	CONSENT DECREE as to Oglethorpe University as outlined to be effective 24 calendar months, decree includes providing to Alba Hernandez the amount of $15,537.60; Eva Rodriguez the amount of $16,161.60 and Santa Lopez the amount of $15,080.00. Signed by Judge Orinda D. Evans on 3/2/07. (fmm) (Entered: 03/05/2007)	RECAP
69	March 5, 2007	ORDER administratively closing case without prejudice to any party's right to reopen during the next 24 months should any party fail to comply with the terms of the agreement. Signed by Judge Orinda D. Evans on 3/2/07. (fmm) (Entered: 03/05/2007)	RECAP
70	March 6, 2007	STIPULATION of Dismissal by Alba Hernandez, Eva Rodriguez, Santa Lopez, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Oglethorpe University, Inc.. (Dodd, Burton) (Entered: 03/06/2007)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Georgia

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 28, 2006

Closing Date: March 5, 2009

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

MALDEF

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Oglethorpe University, Inc.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Georgia 1:06-cv-00711

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Neutral/Positive Reference

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Retaliation Prohibition

Amount Defendant Pays: 46779.2

Order Duration: 2007 - 2009

Issues

General/Misc.:

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Discipline

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Indian

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of EEOC v. OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY INC, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/8868/ (last updated 6/13/2017).