Patricia W. Vandiver, Complainant,v.Pete Geren, Secretary, Department of the Army, Agency.

Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionFeb 4, 2009
0120073350 (E.E.O.C. Feb. 4, 2009)

0120073350

02-04-2009

Patricia W. Vandiver, Complainant, v. Pete Geren, Secretary, Department of the Army, Agency.


Patricia W. Vandiver,

Complainant,

v.

Pete Geren,

Secretary,

Department of the Army,

Agency.

Appeal No. 0120073350

Agency No. ARGORDON06JUN02219

Hearing No. 440200700075x

DECISION

Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.405, the Commission accepts complainant's

appeal from the agency's July 12, 2007, final order concerning her equal

employment opportunity (EEO) complaint alleging employment discrimination

in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII),

as amended, 42 U.S.C. � 2000e et seq.

Complainant alleged that the agency discriminated against her on the

bases of race (African American) and in reprisal for prior protected

EEO activity when (a) she was forced to work below her grade, GS-9;

and (b) a Sergeant-Major (SGM) stated that staff should follow the

chain of command to resolve grievances. Following an investigation,

complainant requested a hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge

(AJ). On May 10, the AJ held a hearing and issued a decision, finding

that the agency did not discriminate against complainant.

The AJ found that the agency explained that, as to (a), because of

funding, a hiring freeze, and poor applicants, it was not able to hire

a lower-grade supply clerk to assist complainant and, to ease her task,

removed some of her duties. As to (b), the AJ noted complainant was not

present when SGM spoke, and he agreed with the agency that the SGM's

comment was not directed at her. The AJ concluded that the agency

articulated legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for its actions,

and complainant did not demonstrate pretext.

Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.405(a), all post-hearing factual findings by

an AJ will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence in the record.

Substantial evidence is defined as "such relevant evidence as a reasonable

mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Universal

Camera Corp. v. National Labor Relations Board, 340 U.S. 474, 477 (1951)

(citation omitted). A finding regarding whether or not discriminatory

intent existed is a factual finding. See Pullman-Standard Co. v. Swint,

456 U.S. 273, 293 (1982). An AJ's conclusions of law are subject to a

de novo standard of review, whether or not a hearing was held. We find

that the decision of the AJ accurately stated the facts and correctly

applied the pertinent principles of law.

After a review of the record in its entirety and consideration of

all statements submitted on appeal, including those not specifically

addressed, it is the decision of the Equal Employment Opportunity

Commission to affirm the agency's final decision, because the AJ's

ultimate finding, that unlawful employment discrimination was not proven

by a preponderance of the evidence, is supported by the record.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the agency's decision is affirmed.

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS - ON APPEAL

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS - ON APPEAL RECONSIDERATION (M1208)

The Commission may, in its discretion, reconsider the decision in this

case if the complainant or the agency submits a written request containing

arguments or evidence which tend to establish that:

1. The appellate decision involved a clearly erroneous

interpretation of material fact or law; or

2. The appellate decision will have a substantial impact

on the policies, practices, or operations

of the agency.

Requests to reconsider, with supporting statement or brief, must be filed

with the Office of Federal Operations (OFO) within thirty (30) calendar

days of receipt of this decision or within twenty (20) calendar days of

receipt of another party's timely request for reconsideration. See 29

C.F.R. � 1614.405; Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive for

29 C.F.R. Part 1614 (EEO MD-110), 9-18 (November 9, 1999). All requests

and arguments must be submitted to the Director, Office of Federal

Operations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, P.O. Box 77960,

Washington, DC 20013. In the absence of a legible postmark, the request

to reconsider shall be deemed timely filed if it is received by mail

within five days of the expiration of the applicable filing period. See

29 C.F.R. � 1614.604. The request or opposition must also include proof

of service on the other party.

Failure to file within the time period will result in dismissal of your

request for reconsideration as untimely, unless extenuating circumstances

prevented the timely filing of the request. Any supporting documentation

must be submitted with your request for reconsideration. The Commission

will consider requests for reconsideration filed after the deadline only

in very limited circumstances. See 29 C.F.R. � 1614.604(c).

COMPLAINANT'S RIGHT TO FILE A CIVIL ACTION (S0408)

You have the right to file a civil action in an appropriate United States

District Court within ninety (90) calendar days from the date that you

receive this decision. If you file a civil action, you must name as the

defendant in the complaint the person who is the official agency head

or department head, identifying that person by his or her full name and

official title. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of your

case in court. "Agency" or "department" means the national organization,

and not the local office, facility or department in which you work. If you

file a request to reconsider and also file a civil action, filing a civil

action will terminate the administrative processing of your complaint.

RIGHT TO REQUEST COUNSEL (Z1008)

If you decide to file a civil action, and if you do not have or cannot

afford the services of an attorney, you may request from the Court

that the Court appoint an attorney to represent you and that the Court

also permit you to file the action without payment of fees, costs,

or other security. See Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as

amended, 42 U.S.C. � 2000e et seq.; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as

amended, 29 U.S.C. �� 791, 794(c). The grant or denial of the request

is within the sole discretion of the Court. Filing a request for an

attorney with the Court does not extend your time in which to file

a civil action. Both the request and the civil action must be filed

within the time limits as stated in the paragraph above ("Right to File

A Civil Action").

FOR THE COMMISSION:

______________________________

Carlton M. Hadden, Director

Office of Federal Operations

__02/04/2009________________

Date

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0120073350

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Office of Federal Operations

P. O. Box 77960

Washington, D.C. 20013

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0120073350