[Redacted], Howard P., 1 Complainant,v.Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary, Department of Commerce (Bureau of the Census), Agency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Oct 4, 2022

Appeal No. 2022000430 (E.E.O.C. Oct. 4, 2022)

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Office of Federal Operations P.O. Box 77960 Washington, DC 20013 Howard P.,1 Complainant, v. Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary, Department of Commerce (Bureau of the Census), Agency. Request No. 2022002748 Appeal No. 2022000430 Agency No. 63-2021-00458D DECISION ON REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION Complainant timely requested that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) reconsider its decision in Howard P. v. Dep’t of Commerce, EEOC Appeal No. 2022000430 (Mar. 24, 2022). EEOC Regulations provide that the Commission may, in its discretion, grant a request to reconsider any previous Commission decision issued pursuant to 29 C.F.R. § 1614.405(a), where the requesting party demonstrates 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. See 29 C.F.R. § 1614.405(c). Complainant, an Office Operations Supervisor, AD-0301-00, at the Agency's Area Census Office (ACO) 2580 facility in Rochester, Minnesota filed a formal EEO complaint alleging that the Agency subjected him to discrimination and a hostile work environment on the bases of race (African-American), sex (male), and in reprisal for prior protected EEO activity when: 1 This case has been randomly assigned a pseudonym which will replace Complainant’s name when the decision is published to non-parties and the Commission’s website. 2022002748 2 1. On or before August 15, 2020, he was harassed by members of a “clique” at the ACO who were upset when Complainant filed a complaint for sexual harassment against their coworker who was then terminated; 2. On or before August 15, 2020, Complainant was subjected to inappropriate comments regarding his race and possible gang affiliations of staff; 3. On or before August 15, 2020, Complainant's complaints about the conduct were ignored; and 4. On August 15, 2020, he was forced to resign. The Agency dismissed the complaint pursuant to 29 C.F.R. § 1614107(a)(2) for untimely EEO Counselor contact. In the appellate decision, the Commission affirmed the dismissal decision. In his request for reconsideration, Complainant expresses his disagreement with the previous decision and reiterates arguments previously made on appeal. In addition, Complainant submits new evidence in support of his argument that his complaint should not have been dismissed. The Commission emphasizes that a request for reconsideration is not a second appeal. Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive for 29 C.F.R. Part 1614 (EEO MD-110), Chap. 9 § VI.A (Aug. 5, 2015); see, e.g., Lopez v. Dep't of Agric., EEOC Request No. 0520070736 (Aug. 20, 2007). Rather, a reconsideration request is an opportunity to demonstrate that the appellate decision involved a clearly erroneous interpretation of material fact or law, or will have a substantial impact on the policies, practices, or operations of the Agency. Complainant has not done so here. Complainant has not presented any persuasive evidence to support reconsideration of the Commission's decision. After reviewing the previous decision and the entire record, the Commission finds that the request fails to meet the criteria of 29 C.F.R. § 1614.405(c), and it is the decision of the Commission to DENY the request. The decision in EEOC Appeal No. 2022000430 remains the Commission's decision. There is no further right of administrative appeal on the decision of the Commission on this request. COMPLAINANT’S RIGHT TO FILE A CIVIL ACTION (P0610) This decision of the Commission is final, and there is no further right of administrative appeal from the Commission’s decision. 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. 2022002748 3 RIGHT TO REQUEST COUNSEL (Z0815) If you want to file a civil action but cannot pay the fees, costs, or security to do so, you may request permission from the court to proceed with the civil action without paying these fees or costs. Similarly, if you cannot afford an attorney to represent you in the civil action, you may request the court to appoint an attorney for you. You must submit the requests for waiver of court costs or appointment of an attorney directly to the court, not the Commission. The court has the sole discretion to grant or deny these types of requests. Such requests do not alter the time limits for filing a civil action (please read the paragraph titled Complainant’s Right to File a Civil Action for the specific time limits). FOR THE COMMISSION: ______________________________ Carlton M. Hadden’s signature Carlton M. Hadden, Director Office of Federal Operations October 4, 2022 Date