Barnes v. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

706 F. Supp. 2d 593 (2010)

Michael BARNES, Plaintiff,
v.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, Robert Shannon and Ernest Macon, Defendants.

Civil Action No. 3:08-CV-1771.

United States District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania.

April 5, 2010.

Peter G. Loftus, Loftus Law Firm, P.C., Waverly, PA, for Plaintiff.

Maryanne M. Lewis, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, PA, for Defendant.

MEMORANDUM

A. RICHARD CAPUTO, District Judge.

Presently before the Court is Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment and Motion to Strike Portions of Plaintiff's Counter-Statement of Material Facts. For the reasons discussed below, Defendants' Motion will be granted in part and denied in part. The Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1367.

BACKGROUND

1. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

A. February 3, 2007 Shakedown and Injury

Plaintiff Michael Barnes, a Caucasian male, began working for Defendant Pennsylvania Department of Corrections ("the D.O.C.") in 1986. (Barnes Dep. 11:24-25, April 30, 2009.) In approximately 2005, Barnes achieved the rank of Captain. (Barnes Dep. 13:16-18.) On February 3, 2007, Barnes was working in the Restricted Housing Unit ("RHU") at SCI-Frackville. (Barnes Dep. 27:2-6.) On that day a shakedown was planned for the RHU.^[1] (Barnes Dep. 27:7-13.) Captain Barnes' role in the shakedown was to supervise the lower-ranking corrections officers and resolve any issues that might arise. (Barnes Dep. 30:11-31:1.)

During the shakedown, Sergeant James Stotler and Corrections Officers Robert Santangelo and John Davison, all Caucasian males, attempted to remove inmate Aasim Nash, an African-American male, from his cell. (Barnes Dep. 34:7-9.) As the officers removed Nash from his cell, he became verbally abusive toward them. (Barnes Dep. 33:16-21.) For security purposes, the officers handcuffed Nash and locked him in the shower room while they searched his cell. (Barnes Dep. 35:10-37:1.) After the cell search was completed, Sergeant Stotler attempted to remove Nash from the shower room; as Stotler unlocked and opened the gate to the shower room, Nash kicked it closed, striking Stotler in the hand. (Stotler Dep. 49:3-8, April 30, 2009.) Nash then leaned against the door to keep it closed, causing Stotler to push the door open so that he could secure Nash. (Stotler Dep. 52:22-53:1.)

At this point the versions of events diverge. Stotler says that Nash fell forward toward the wall when he pushed the door open. (Stotler Dep. 55:6-9). Some corrections officers and Nash claim that Nash fell backward against the wall, and Nash claims that he hit the back of his head after falling. (Davison Dep. 44:6-12, May 1, 2009; Doc. 31, Exs. M, N; Doc. 32, Ex. FF.) Everyone, including Nash, states that Nash spit in Stotler's face when Stotler came into the shower room to retrieve Nash. (Doc. 32, Ex. FF.) Nash claims that Stotler then punched him in the eye; this story was corroborated by another inmate who witnessed the incident. (Doc. 32, Ex. FF; Doc. 16, Ex. 4.) All the corrections officers claim that Stotler did not punch Nash or that they did not see what happened and that the injury to Nash's eye was not noticed by any of them until Captain Barnes spoke with Nash after being returned to his cell. (Stotler Dep. 61:2-19; Barnes Dep. 43:25-45:2.)

As a result of this incident, Nash was brought to the medical unit to have his eye examined. Upon examination, Nash vomited "a very large amount of partially digested food with some blood evident;" it was recommended that he be transported to the emergency room. (Doc. 16, Ex. 3.) At the hospital it was confirmed that Nash had a fractured medial wall of his left orbit and had bruised the back of his left eye. (Doc. 16, Ex. 12.) Nash told the treating doctors that he had been punched in the eye. (Doc. 16, Exs. 12, 13.) The doctors believed that Nash's injury was consistent with being punched in the face or eye. (Doc. 16, Exs. 12, 13.) One doctor, while emphasizing that he was not a forensic expert, opined that if Nash had hit a cement wall he likely would have exhibited more facial trauma on his forehead, cheek and chin. (Doc. 16, Ex. 12.)

B. Office of Professional Responsibility Investigation

On February 5, 2007 the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility ("OPR"), Michael Wolanin, authorized an investigation into the incident following a request from SCI Frackville Superintendent, Defendant Robert Shannon. (Doc. 32, Ex. II.) Both Shannon and Wolanin are Caucasian males. (Doc. 16, ¶¶ 2, 38.) Shannon claims that D.O.C. policy requires an investigation any time there is an allegation of abuse by D.O.C. staff, and that he had concerns about the manner in which Nash sustained such a severe injury and how the incident was dealt with by his staff. (Doc. 16, Ex. 3.)

The investigation was conducted by Defendant Ernest Macon, Jr. and Adam D. Hough; Hough is a Caucasian male and Macon is an African-American male. (Doc. 32, Ex. II; Doc. 16, ¶¶ 2, 39.) In the course of the investigation, Defendant Macon and Mr. Hough interviewed Nash, Barnes, Stotler, the doctors who treated Nash, the inmates who witnessed the events in question, and the corrections officers on the RHU at the time of the shakedown. According to Barnes, during his interview with Defendant Macon, Macon got within six inches of his face and said that Macon, Barnes, "and all [Barnes'] good old boys know that that sergeant hit that inmate, don't we?" (Barnes Dep. 56:5-25.) The investigation concluded that Barnes had violated D.O.C. policy by failing to take four sets of photographs of Nash's injury, failing to initiate a plan of action after Nash forcibly kicked the gate at Stotler, and not waiting for Nash to calm down and then videotaping his removal from the shower. (Doc. 32, Ex. II.) Hough submitted the investigation report, and it was reviewed and signed by Defendant Macon. (Doc. 32, Ex II.)

After his OPR interview, Barnes met with Defendant Shannon regarding the incident. (Barnes Dep. 59: 3-10.) According to Barnes, Shannon told him that he was willing to look at the incident with Nash "as a hit and run incident that [Barnes] left the scene of a crime and [Barnes] realize[d] that [he] was wrong and [Barnes was] coming back to right it." (Barnes Dep. 59:7-14.) Barnes insisted that he had not seen anything happen and would not change his story. (Barnes Dep. 59:15-18.) Barnes claims that Shannon warned him that if he did not change his story he might be demoted or possibly terminated. (Barnes Dep. 59:20-22.) Approximately one week later, Barnes testified that Shannon spoke to him again and told him that if he did not "say what [Barnes] need[ed] to say" that he might be demoted or fired. (Barnes Dep. 60:19-61:1.) Barnes reiterated that he had been telling the truth. (Barnes Dep. 61:1-3.)

On March 6, 2007, OPR Director Wolanin issued an executive summary of the OPR investigation. (Doc. 16, Ex. 2.) The summary concluded that all of the officers had slightly different stories and that their stories were "not realistic or believable." (Doc. 33, Ex. PPP.) As such, a pre-disciplinary conference ("PDC") was recommended for Stotler and Barnes. (Doc. 33, Ex. PPP.) On March 22, 2007 a letter was sent to Barnes telling him that a PDC was scheduled for March 30, 2007 and listing the allegations against Barnes and the specific D.O.C. policy violations he committed; Barnes signed the letter acknowledging notice of the PDC. (Doc. 33, Ex. RRR.)

Barnes testified that five (5) minutes before his PDC commenced D.O.C. Personnel Director Thomas Kowalsky approached Barnes and told him that Shannon had called and wanted to know if Barnes had any changes to his story before he went in. (Barnes Dep. 62:5-14.) Barnes said that there were no changes to his story. (Barnes Dep. 62:14-16.) At his PDC, the exhibits, including surveillance video of the incident and photographs, were shown to Barnes and he was given an opportunity to explain his version of events. (Doc. 31, Ex. F.) Barnes stated at his PDC that he felt that Macon's investigation was biased and that Macon was "looking for someone to hang for this." (Doc. 31, Ex. F.)

On April 3, 2007, the PDC committee affirmed the charges against Barnes. (Doc. 32, Ex. RR.) On April 4, 2007, Shannon wrote a letter to Barbara Bair, the Chief of the Labor Relations Division for the D.O.C., recommending that Barnes be demoted in light of the PDC's affirmation of the charges against him. (Doc. 32, Ex. PP.) After reviewing the documentation surrounding the incident with Nash, D.O.C. Director of Human Resources Timothy Musser directed Defendant Shannon to dismiss Plaintiff Barnes; Mr. Musser is also a Caucasian male. (Doc. 33, UUU; Doc. 16, ¶ 151.) Knowing that he was going to be terminated, Plaintiff Barnes elected to retire instead so that he would not lose his retirement benefits. (Barnes Dep. 63:2-7; Doc. 33, Ex. VVV.)

C. Barnes' Replacement/ Previous Discipline of Other Corrections Officers

Barnes alleges that he was replaced by a younger individual after his termination. (Doc. 33, Ex. JJJ.) However, the only identification of Barnes' replacement is supplied by Defendants' response to the Plaintiff's first set of interrogatories; Barnes was apparently replaced by Brian Avezzano, who was born on July 13, 1957. (Doc. 33, Ex. YYY.) Barnes was born on June 7, 1956. (Compl. ¶ 11.)

There is also evidence on the record alleging that Corrections Officer Barbara Brown was allowed to resign from her position after she was caught bringing contraband into the prison; Barbara Brown is African American. (Doc. 33, Ex. KKK.)

D. Procedural History

Plaintiff filed a Complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission; having fulfilled the administrative prerequisites, Plaintiff received a right-to-sue letter on July 21, 2008. (Compl. ¶ 4.) On September 24, 2008, Plaintiff filed the instant Complaint. (Doc. 1.) Plaintiff brings causes of action against the D.O.C., Defendant Shannon and Defendant Macon for violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Count I), violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1985 (Count II), and violation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act ("PHRA") (Count V), against the D.O.C. only for violations of Title VII (Count III) and hostile work environment in violation of Title VII (Count IV), and against Shannon and Macon only for Civil Conspiracy (Count VI). On January 15, 2010, Defendants filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. (Doc. 15.) That motion has been fully briefed and is now ripe for disposition.

LEGAL STANDARD

Summary judgment is appropriate if "the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law." FED. R. CIV. P. 56(c). A fact is material if proof of its existence or nonexistence might affect the outcome of the suit under the applicable substantive law. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S. Ct. 2505, 91 L. Ed. 2d 202 (1986).

Where there is no material fact in dispute, the moving party need only establish that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Where, however, there is a disputed issue of material fact, summary judgment is appropriate only if the factual dispute is not a genuine one. Id. An issue of material fact is genuine if "a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party." Id.

Where there is a material fact in dispute, the moving party has the initial burden of proving that: (1) there is no genuine issue of material fact; and (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See 10A CHARLES ALAN WRIGHT, ARTHUR R. MILLER, & MARY KAY KANE, FEDERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: CIVIL 2D § 2727 (2d ed.1983). The moving party may present its own evidence or, where the nonmoving party has the burden of proof, simply point out to the Court that "the nonmoving party has failed to make a sufficient showing of an essential element of her case." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S. Ct. 2548, 91 L. Ed. 2d 265 (1986).

All doubts as to the existence of a genuine issue of material fact must be resolved against the moving party, and the entire record must be examined in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. White v. Westinghouse Elec. Co., 862 F.2d 56, 59 (3d Cir.1988). Once the moving party has satisfied its initial burden, the burden shifts to the nonmoving party to either present affirmative evidence supporting its version of the material facts or to refute the moving party's contention that the facts entitle it to judgment as a matter of law. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 256-57, 106 S. Ct. 2505.

The Court need not accept mere conclusory allegations, whether they are made in the complaint or a sworn statement. Lujan v. Nat'l Wildlife Fed'n, 497 U.S. 871, 888, 110 S. Ct. 3177, 111 L. Ed. 2d 695 (1990). In deciding a motion for summary judgment, "the judge's function is not himself to weigh the evidence and determine the truth of the matter but to determine whether there is a genuine issue for trial." Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249, 106 S. Ct. 2505.

DISCUSSION

I. D.O.C.

A. Count I: 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981

Barnes alleges that the D.O.C. violated § 1983, which provides that:

Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom or usage ... subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other persons within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured....

Two elements must be present in order to state a § 1983 claim: (1) the conduct complained of must have deprived the plaintiff of rights, privileges and immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States; and (2) the conduct must have been committed by a person acting under color of state law. See Lugar v. Edmondson Oil Co., 457 U.S. 922, 923, 102 S. Ct. 2744, 73 L. Ed. 2d 482 (1982); Kost v. Kozakiewicz, 1 F.3d 176, 184 (3d Cir.1993).

States are not "persons" within the meaning of § 1983 and, therefore, cannot be among those held liable for violations of the civil rights statute. Blanciak v. Allegheny Ludlum Corp., 77 F.3d 690, 697 (3d Cir.1996). Likewise, § 1981 does not abrogate Eleventh Amendment immunity for states. Chinn v. City University of New York, 963 F. Supp. 218, 224 n. 1 (E.D.N.Y.1997). In addition, the Eleventh Amendment provides states with immunity from suit in federal court. See Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Florida, 517 U.S. 44, 58, 116 S. Ct. 1114, 134 L. Ed. 2d 252 (1996). This immunity is jurisdictional in nature. Pennhurst State Sch. & Hosp. v. Halderman, 465 U.S. 89, 99 n. 8, 104 S. Ct. 900, 79 L. Ed. 2d 67 (1984). The state may waive its Eleventh Amendment immunity and consent to be sued. See Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706, 755, 119 S. Ct. 2240, 144 L. Ed. 2d 636 (1999). Congress may also abrogate the immunity, but only if it has "unequivocally expressed its intent" to do so and has acted "pursuant to a valid exercise of power." Seminole, 517 U.S. at 55, 116 S. Ct. 1114 (citations omitted).

The Pennsylvania D.O.C. is an arm of the state and is not a "person" within the meaning of § 1983 and may not be held liable under the civil rights statute. See, e.g., Santiago v. New York State Dept. of Correctional Services, 945 F.2d 25, 28 n. 1 (2d Cir.1991) (citing Pennhurst State School and Hosp. v. Halderman, 465 U.S. 89, 100, 104 S. Ct. 900, 79 L. Ed. 2d 67 (1984)). Additionally, Pennsylvania has expressly withheld consent and has not waived its Eleventh Amendment immunity. See 42 PA. CONS.STAT. ANN. § 8521(b) (2004). Thus, the § 1981 and 1983 claims brought against the Pennsylvania D.O.C. are barred by the Eleventh Amendment and summary judgment will be granted for Defendant D.O.C. on Count I.

B. Count II: 42 U.S.C. § 1985

Similarly, states and their agencies are not "persons" for the purposes of 42 U.S.C. § 1985.^[2]Rode v. Dellarciprete, 617 F. Supp. 721, 722-723 (M.D.Pa.1985). Therefore, Plaintiff's § 1985 claim against the D.O.C. is also barred and summary judgment will be granted in favor of Defendant D.O.C. on Count II.

C. Count III: Title VII Disparate Treatment

42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a) provides, in pertinent part, as follows:

It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer—

(1) to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because of such individuals race, color, religion sex or national origin; or

(2) to limit, segregate or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

As there is no direct evidence of racial animus in the termination of Plaintiff's employment, this case is subject to the burden shifting analysis proscribed by McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 93 S. Ct. 1817, 36 L. Ed. 2d 668 (1973). Generally in discriminatory firing cases, the plaintiff must prove that (1) he was a member of the protected class; (2) he was qualified for the job from which he was discharged; (3) he was discharged; and, (4) the job position was filled by a person outside the protected class, or the position remained open and Defendant sought to fill the position. McDonnell, 411 U.S. at 802, 93 S. Ct. 1817. However, in cases where the plaintiff is part of the majority, as Barnes is, the standard for a prima facie case is slightly different. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held that "a plaintiff who brings a `reverse discrimination' suit under Title VII should be able to establish a prima facie case in the absence of direct evidence of discrimination by presenting sufficient evidence to allow a reasonable fact finder to conclude (given the totality of the circumstances) that the defendant treated plaintiff `less favorably than others because of [his] race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.'" Iadimarco v. Runyon, 190 F.3d 151, 163 (3d Cir.1999).

Barnes has not produced any facts that suggest he was treated less favorably than others because of his race. The only employee whose treatment he points to is Barbara Brown, an African-American female officer, who was allowed to resign rather than be terminated after sneaking contraband into prison. This is precisely the same action that the D.O.C. took with relation to Barnes. After going through his PDC and finding that he had violated various D.O.C. policies, the decision was made to terminate Barnes. However, rather than terminate him, he was allowed to tender his resignation to maintain his retirement benefits. Plaintiff has tendered no evidence to demonstrate that he was treated less favorably because of his race. To the contrary, he has only shown that he received exactly the same treatment as a similarly situated African-American corrections officer. As such, there exists no genuine issue of material fact on which a reasonable jury could rely to find that Barnes was discriminated against because he is white. He cannot, therefore, make out a prima facie "reverse discrimination" case, and summary judgment will be granted to D.O.C. on Count III.

D. Count IV: Title VII Hostile Work Environment

To state a claim for hostile work environment pursuant to Title VII, the evidence must establish that the plaintiff (1) suffered intentional discrimination because of his [race]; (2) the discrimination was pervasive and regular; (3) it detrimentally affected him; (4) it would have detrimentally affected a reasonable person of the same protected class in his position; and (5) there is a basis for vicarious liability. Caver v. City of Trenton, 420 F.3d 243, 262 (3d Cir.2005) (citing Cardenas v. Massey, 269 F.3d 251, 260 (3d Cir.2001)).

In determining whether the conduct at issue is extreme enough to create a hostile work environment, we consider the totality of the circumstances, concentrating "not on individual incidents, but on the overall scenario." Andrews v. City of Philadelphia, 895 F.2d 1469, 1482-84 (3d Cir.1990). In determining the totality of the circumstances, courts may consider the frequency and severity of the discriminatory conduct, whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, or simply a mere offensive utterance, and whether it unreasonably interferes with the plaintiff's work performance. Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 23, 114 S. Ct. 367, 126 L. Ed. 2d 295 (1993). Off-handed comments or isolated incidents are not sufficient to sustain a hostile work environment claim, unless extremely serious. Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775, 778, 118 S. Ct. 2275, 141 L. Ed. 2d 662 (1998).

In the instant case, Barnes has only pointed to Defendant Macon's comment that Barnes and all his "good old boys" knew what happened to Nash in the shower room. This is precisely the type of isolated incident that the Supreme Court warned should not be considered severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.^[3] Nor is this the type of comment that is serious or derogatory enough to create a hostile work environment simply by a single utterance. See Caver, 420 F.3d at 263 n. 15. Thus, Plaintiff has not created a genuine issue of material fact on which a reasonable jury could find that the racial discrimination against Barnes, as a white corrections officer, was severe or pervasive enough to rise to the level of a hostile work environment. Therefore, summary judgment will be granted in favor of Defendant D.O.C. on Count IV.

E. Count V: PHRA Claims

"[T]he PHRA is to be interpreted as identical to federal anti-discrimination laws except where there is something specifically different in its language requiring that it be treated differently." Fasold v. Justice, 409 F.3d 178, 184 n. 8 (3d Cir.2005). One major difference between the PHRA and Title VII is that the PHRA makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment on the basis of age. Thus, to the extent that Plaintiff alleges claims pursuant to the PHRA that he was discriminated against because of his race, those claims follow Title VII and cannot survive as discussed above. To the extent that Barnes is alleging age discrimination under the PHRA, these claims will be interpreted in accordance with the federal age discrimination statute, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 ("ADEA").

The ADEA provides: "It shall be unlawful for an employer ... to discharge an individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of such individual's age ...." 29 U.S.C. § 623(a). ADEA plaintiffs may establish a cause of action by demonstrating disparate treatment. Monaco v. Am. Gen. Assurance Co., 359 F.3d 296, 300 (3d Cir.2004). Moreover, in such instances, proof of discriminatory intent is a crucial component. Id. at 300 (citing Hazen Paper Co. v. Biggins, 507 U.S. 604, 610, 113 S. Ct. 1701, 123 L. Ed. 2d 338 (1993)). ADEA plaintiffs with only indirect evidence of discriminatory intent claiming disparate treatment must proceed under the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework. Id. In the instant matter, Plaintiff offers only indirect evidence of Defendant's alleged discriminatory intent. Consequently, analysis of Plaintiff's age discrimination claims must proceed under the McDonnell Douglas analytical framework.

Plaintiff may establish his prima facie case by showing: (1) membership in a protected group, i.e. at least forty (40) years of age; (2) qualification for the job in question; (3) an adverse employment action; and (4) circumstances supporting an inference of discrimination. Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 510, 122 S. Ct. 992, 152 L. Ed. 2d 1 (2002). "Common circumstances giving rise to an inference of unlawful discrimination include the hiring of someone not in the protected class as a replacement or the more favorable treatment of similarly situated colleagues outside of the relevant class." Bullock v. Children's Hosp. of Phila., 71 F. Supp. 2d 482, 487 (E.D.Pa.1999). "Although a plaintiff may make out a prima facie case with such evidence ... neither of these is required." Id. (citing Pivirotto v. Innovative Sys., 191 F.3d 344, 356-57 (3d Cir. 1999)). Thus, the analysis of whether an inference of discriminatory animus has been raised is governed by the "central focus" of the prima facie case—that is, whether Defendant treated Plaintiff less favorably than other employees because of his age. See Sarullo v. United States Postal Serv., 352 F.3d 789, 798 (3d Cir. 2003) (citing Pivirotto, 191 F.3d at 352).

Although, an age difference as little as five years can be sufficient to raise an inference of discrimination, see, e.g., Sempier v. Johnson & Higgins, 45 F.3d 724, 729 (3d Cir.1995), Barnes has produced evidence that he was replaced by an officer only thirteen (13) months his junior. Not only was his replacement within the protected class of employees over forty (40) years of age, but it does not raise an inference of age discrimination for Barnes to have been replaced with another employee who was almost the exact same age. Therefore, Barnes has not produced evidence sufficient to make out a prima facie case for age discrimination under the PHRA because he has not raised an inference that he was treated less favorably than other employees because of his age. Thus, summary judgment will be granted in favor of the D.O.C. on Count V.

II. Macon and Shannon

A. Count I: 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981

1. Section 1981

Barnes brings a claim against Macon and Shannon pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1981. That statute states in relevant part:

All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no others.

42 U.S.C. § 1981(a).

To establish a claim under § 1981, a plaintiff must establish: (1) that he is a member of a racial minority; (2) intent to discriminate on the basis of race by the defendant; and (3) discrimination concerning one or more of the activities enumerated in the statute. Brown v. Philip Morris, Inc., 250 F.3d 789, 797 (3d Cir.2001).

It is unclear from Plaintiff's Complaint and the record as a whole which of the enumerated § 1981 activities he is alleging is the source of discrimination. There is no contract that he was prevented from making or enforcing, he is not being prevented from suing, being a party or giving evidence, nor is he being denied equal benefit of any law. As such, there is no evidence whatsoever of discrimination regarding any of the enumerated § 1981 activities by Defendants Macon or Shannon, and, therefore, summary judgment will be granted on these claims.

2. Section 1983: First Amendment Retaliation

Barnes also brings claims against Macon and Shannon for violations of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in both their individual and official capacities. Actions against defendants in their official capacities are "in all other respects other than name" a suit against the government entity. Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166, 105 S. Ct. 3099, 87 L. Ed. 2d 114 (1985). Thus, to the extent that Defendants Macon and Shannon are being sued in their official capacities, those suits are barred for the reasons discussed above. To the extent Macon and Shannon are being sued in their individual capacities, we will determine the merits of those claims.

First, Barnes claims that Macon and Shannon violated § 1983 by retaliating against him for exercising his First Amendment right to free speech. In order to plead a First Amendment retaliation claim, "a plaintiff must allege: (1) constitutionally protected conduct, (2) retaliatory action sufficient to deter a person of ordinary firmness from exercising his constitutional rights, and (3) a causal link between the constitutionally protected conduct and the retaliatory action." Thomas v. Independence Twp., 463 F.3d 285, 296 (3d Cir.2006).

Public employees have a constitutional right to speak out on matters of public concern without fear of retaliation. McKee v. Hart, 436 F.3d 165, 169 (3d Cir.2006) (citing Brennan v. Norton, 350 F.3d 399, 412 (3d Cir.2003)). Certainly, the treatment of inmates in state prison is a matter of public concern. Although it is slightly counterintuitive to envision a state prison retaliating against a corrections officer for testifying at his PDC that there was no assault on an inmate, the activity of testifying truthfully as to your version of the events in question is the type of activity protected by the First Amendment. Likewise, providing your version of events during the OPR investigation is also protected activity under the First Amendment.

Furthermore, the retaliatory action taken by both individual Defendants would likely deter a person from speaking truthfully. There is evidence on the record which a reasonable jury could rely upon to find that Macon retaliated against Barnes by filing an unfavorable report after Barnes refused to say that Stotler punched Nash in the face. Knowing that an OPR investigation saying you are covering up another corrections officer's assault of an inmate will be circulated amongst your superiors would likely deter a person of ordinary firmness from exercising his rights. Likewise, a reasonable jury could believe that Defendant Shannon recommended Barnes' demotion because he failed to change his story to state that Stotler had hit Nash, despite Shannon's multiple attempts to do so. A demotion would also deter a person of ordinary firmness from exercising his rights.

To establish a causal link, a plaintiff usually must show either: (1) an unusually suggestive temporal proximity between the protected activity and the allegedly retaliatory action, or (2) a pattern of antagonism coupled with timing to establish a causal link. Lauren W. v. DeFlaminis, 480 F.3d 259, 267 (3d Cir.2007). In the instant case, the temporal proximity of the alleged retaliatory action was sufficient that it raises a genuine issue of material fact regarding causality. Both actions were taken very closely after Barnes insisted on consistently recounting a version of events that apparently satisfied neither Shannon nor Macon. Therefore, Plaintiff Barnes has created a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether Defendants Macon and Shannon retaliated against Barnes for exercising his First Amendment rights by adhering to his assertion that Stotler did not punch Nash. Thus, summary judgment will be denied on this cause of action as to Defendants Nash and Macon.

3. Section 1983: Fourth Amendment

Plaintiff also alleged that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated. The Fourth Amendment of United States Constitution protects "[t]he right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." Plaintiff has not alleged or produced evidence of any type of search or seizure. As such, the Fourth Amendment is inapposite in this case and summary judgment will be granted on any such claims.

4. Section 1983: Sixth Amendment

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution outlines the rights of the accused "in all criminal prosecutions." Barnes was not subject to a criminal prosecution. Therefore, the Sixth Amendment is not applicable and summary judgment will be granted on these claims.

5. Section 1983: Fourteenth Amendment

a. Procedural Due Process

The Fourteenth Amendment protects a person against government deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. "Property interests are not created by the Constitution, `they are created and their dimensions are defined by existing rules or understandings that stem from an independent source such as state law....'" Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 540, 105 S. Ct. 1487, 84 L. Ed. 2d 494 (1985) (quoting Bd. of Regents v. Roth, 408 U.S. 564, 577, 92 S. Ct. 2701, 33 L. Ed. 2d 548 (1972)).

In Pennsylvania, civil service employees "shall not be removed except for just cause." 71 P.S. § 741.807. Pennsylvania courts have applied this statute to corrections officers working in state prisons. See, e.g., Department of Corrections v. Roche, 654 A.2d 64, 67 (Pa. Commw.Ct.1995). The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held that a "just cause" clause in a valid collective bargaining agreement creates a cognizable property interest that is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. Dee v. Borough of Dunmore, 549 F.3d 225, 231-32 (3d Cir. 2008). Likewise, the just cause statute in Pennsylvania creates a cognizable property interest for corrections officers that is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Having determined Plaintiff has a valid property interest, the Court must determine what process was due. Where a public employee has a property interest in his job, he is entitled to "some kind of hearing;" the hearing only need be a "pretermination opportunity to respond." Edmundson v. Borough of Kennett Square, 4 F.3d 186, 193 (3d Cir.1993) (citing Cleveland Board of Ed. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 547-48, 105 S. Ct. 1487, 84 L. Ed. 2d 494 (1985)). The hearing need not be elaborate, but the employee must have notice of the charges, an explanation of the employer's evidence and an opportunity to explain his side of the story. Id. The notice may be served any time before the hearing. Id. (citing Gniotek v. City of Philadelphia, 808 F.2d 241, 244 (3d Cir. 1986)).

Barnes' PDC afforded him all the process that he was due. The notice of the PDC was given to him in writing several days before the PDC was held, and he acknowledged receipt of the notice with his signature. The letter also lists the charges against Barnes and the specific policy provisions that he was alleged to have violated. The transcript of the hearing demonstrates that the exhibits and evidence used against Barnes in his PDC were displayed to him and everyone else in attendance at the hearing. (Doc. 31, Ex. F.) Furthermore, Barnes was afforded an opportunity to explain his version of events regarding the incident with Nash and his belief that the OPR investigation was biased. Based on the record, Plaintiff was clearly afforded all the process he was due and there is no genuine issue of material fact that the pre-termination PDC hearing complied with the requirements of Edmundson and Loudermill. Thus, summary judgment will be granted in favor of Defendants on these claims.

Plaintiff might also be asserting a claim for a violation of his protected liberty interest. "An employment action implicates a fourteenth amendment liberty interest only if it (1) is based on a `charge against [the individual] that might seriously damage his standing and associations in the community ..., for example, that he had been guilty of dishonesty, or immorality' or (2) `imposes on him a stigma of other disability that foreclosed his freedom to take advantage of other employment opportunities.'" Robb v. City of Philadelphia, 733 F.2d 286, 293-94 (3d Cir.1984) (quoting Bd. of Regents v. Roth, 408 U.S. 564, 573, 92 S. Ct. 2701, 33 L. Ed. 2d 548 (1972)). "Stigma to reputation alone, absent some accompanying deprivation of present or future employment, is not a liberty interest protected by the fourteenth amendment." Id. Thus, in the public employment context, "a plaintiff must show a stigma to his reputation plus deprivation of some additional right or interest." Hill v. Borough of Kutztown, 455 F.3d 225, 236 (3d Cir.2006) (quoting Codd v. Velger, 429 U.S. 624, 628, 97 S. Ct. 882, 51 L. Ed. 2d 92 (1977)). It is required that the Plaintiff satisfy the "stigma-plus" test in order to successfully demonstrate a liberty interest pursuant to the Fourteenth Amendment.

Furthermore, to state a claim for stigma, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the stigmatizing information was `published' or otherwise disseminated by the public employer to the public at large. Hill, 455 F.3d at 236. In the instant case, there is no proof in the record whatsoever that the potentially stigmatizing information that Barnes was potentially involved in the assault of an inmate was ever disseminated to the public at large. Because this information was not publicly announced, Barnes cannot satisfy this requirement for making out a due process violation of a protected liberty interest. Thus, summary judgment will be granted for Defendants Macon and Shannon on any such claims.

b. Substantive Due Process

Although Plaintiff does not specify which section of the Fourteenth Amendment was violated by Defendants Macon and Shannon, this Court will also consider substantive due process. However, "[w]here a particular Amendment `provides an explicit textual source of constitutional protection' against a particular sort of government behavior, `that Amendment, not the more generalized notion of substantive due process, must be the guide for analyzing these claims.'" Albright v. Oliver, 510 U.S. 266, 273, 114 S. Ct. 807, 127 L. Ed. 2d 114 (1994) (quoting Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 395, 109 S. Ct. 1865, 104 L. Ed. 2d 443 (1989)). The First Amendment, as discussed above, provides an explicit textual source of constitutional protection to Plaintiff, so any reliance on the substantive component of the Due Process Clause is misplaced. Thus, summary judgment will be granted to Defendants Macon and Shannon on this cause of action.

c. Equal Protection

In order to establish an equal protection claim pursuant to § 1983, the plaintiff must prove purposeful discriminatory conduct because intent is a prima facie element of any Constitution-based civil rights discrimination cause of action. Herrington v. Crestwood School Dist, No. 3:04-CV-1243, 2006 WL 709219 at, *7 (M.D.Pa. March 17, 2006) (citing Pennsylvania v. Flaherty, 983 F.2d 1267, 1273 (3d Cir.1993)). The plaintiff must show disparate impact plus some other indicia of purposeful discrimination. Id.

Even if we assume that Barnes could show disparate impact, the record before the Court fails to raise a single indicia or purposeful race discrimination against Plaintiff. He has, therefore, failed to meet his evidentiary burden and Defendants Macon and Shannon will be granted summary judgment with regard to the Equal Protection claims brought pursuant to § 1983.

B. Count II: 42 U.S.C. § 1985

Section 1985 provides a plaintiff with a cause of action where two or more persons conspire to deprive the plaintiff of his civil rights. 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3). For a plaintiff to establish a claim under the civil rights conspiracy statute, he must show: "(1) a conspiracy; (2) motivated by a racial or class based discriminatory animus designed to deprive, directly or indirectly, any person or class of persons ... [of] the equal protection of the laws; (3) an act in furtherance of the conspiracy; and (4) an injury to person or property or the deprivation of any right or privilege of a citizen of the United States." Ridgewood Bd. of Educ. v. N.E. ex rel. M.E., 172 F.3d 238, 253-54 (3d Cir.1999) (quoting Lake v. Arnold, 112 F.3d 682, 685 (3d Cir.1997)); see also Griffin v. Breckenridge, 403 U.S. 88, 102, 91 S. Ct. 1790, 29 L. Ed. 2d 338 (1971).

In alleging a Section 1985 conspiracy claim,

The plaintiff's allegations must be supported by facts bearing out the existence of the conspiracy and indicating its broad objectives and the role each defendant allegedly played in carrying out those objectives. Bare conclusory allegations of "conspiracy" or "concerted action" will not suffice to allege a conspiracy. The plaintiff must expressly allege an agreement or make averments of communication, consultation, cooperation, or command from which such an agreement can be inferred.

Flanagan v. Shively, 783 F. Supp. 922, 928 (M.D.Pa.1992) (McClure, J.), aff'd 980 F.2d 722 (3d Cir.1992), cert. denied, 510 U.S. 829, 114 S. Ct. 95, 126 L. Ed. 2d 62 (1993).

In the instant action, Barnes had not produced any evidence that creates a genuine issue of material fact that there was a conspiracy between Macon, Shannon, and the D.O.C. to deprive him of equal protection of the laws based on his race. The bare accusations of conspiracy are not supported by the facts in the record, which do not contain any proof of an agreement between Macon and Shannon. Instead the record shows that the only connection between Macon and Shannon is the professional relationship that they shared with Shannon acting as superintendent of the prison and Macon acting as an OPR investigator. Furthermore, even if Plaintiff had shown that there was a conspiracy, there was no racially motivated action on the part of Macon and Shannon acting in concert, as discussed in the previous section on Equal Protection. Thus, summary judgment will be granted in favor of Defendants Macon and Shannon on Count II.

C. Count V: PHRA Claims

As noted above, Plaintiff has failed to make out even a prima facie case pursuant to the PHRA for either race or age discrimination. The reasoning in the sections above apply with equal force to the PHRA claims against Macon and Shannon because the record is devoid of facts that would support an inference that Barnes was treated unfavorably because of his race or his age. As such, summary judgment will be granted in favor of the remaining defendants on Count V.

D. Count VI: Civil Conspiracy

A Pennsylvania state conspiracy claim consists of three elements: "(1) a combination of two or more persons acting with a common purpose to do an unlawful act or to do a lawful act by unlawful means or for a lawful purpose, (2) an intent to injure without justification, and (3) an overt act `done in pursuance of the common purpose or design,' and resultant actual legal damage." Academy Plaza L.L.C.1 v. Bryant Asset Mgmt., 2006 WL 1652687, at *13 (Pa.Com.Pl.2006) (quoting Thompson Coal Co. v. Pike Coal Co., 488 Pa. 198, 412 A.2d 466, 472 (Pa.Super.Ct.1979)).

"A single entity cannot conspire with itself and, similarly, agents of a single entity cannot conspire among themselves." Id. (quoting Thompson, 412 A.2d at 472); see also Shingara v. Skiles, Civ. A. No. 1:04-CV-0621, 2007 WL 210800 (M.D.Pa. Jan. 24, 2007) (Conner, J.) (citing Lackner v. Glosser, 892 A.2d 21, 35 (Pa.Super.Ct.2006) (finding that because all defendants were members of the state police, they could not be liable for Pennsylvania civil conspiracy)).

Both Macon and Shannon are agents of the Pennsylvania D.O.C. As agents of this single entity, they legally cannot conspire with one another. Therefore, Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Count VI will be granted.

III. Motion to Strike

Defendants Motion to Strike argues that Plaintiff's Counter-Statement of Material Facts was non-responsive and contained affidavits that contained inadmissible hearsay and were not based on personal knowledge. This Court has not relied on any improper evidence in writing this opinion.^[4] Furthermore, motions to strike are considered a drastic measure and are generally not granted unless it can be shown that no evidence in support of the allegation would be admissible. Lipsky v. Commonwealth United Corp., 551 F.2d 887, 893 (2d Cir.1976); see also Lyon Fin. Servs. v. Woodlake Imaging, LLC, No. 04-3334, 2005 WL 331695, at *9-10, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 2011, at *26 (E.D.Pa. Feb. 9, 2005) (stating same). Because the affidavits that were used can be supported by admissible evidence, the Motion to Strike will be denied.

CONCLUSION

For the reasons stated above, the Court will grant in part and deny in part Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment and deny the Motion to Strike. An appropriate Order follows.

ORDER

NOW, this 5th day of April, 2010, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part as follows:

1) Defendant Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED.

2) Defendant Robert Shannon's Motion for Summary Judgment is DENIED as to the First Amendment retaliation claim in Count I. Defendant Shannon's Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED as to all remaining counts.

3) Defendant Ernest Macon's Motion for Summary Judgment is DENIED as to the First Amendment retaliation claim in Count I. Defendant Macon's Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED as to all remaining counts.

4) Defendants' Motion to Strike Portions of Plaintiff's Counter-Statement of Material Facts is DENIED.

NOTES

[1] A shakedown is a routine procedure on the RHU, wherein corrections officers search inmates' cells for contraband. (Barnes Dep. 18:16-19:1.)

[2] 42 U.S.C. § 1985 requires the action of "two or more persons."

[3] To the extent that Plaintiff is arguing the Defendant Macon had a history of making racially inappropriate comments (see Doc. 32, Ex. SS, TT, UU), Barnes has not shown that any of those comments were made toward him or ever even heard or perceived by him. Even if Barnes did hear of these incidents second-hand, they would not be sufficient to create a hostile work environment. See Caver, 420 F.3d at 263 (holding that plaintiff cannot meet hostile work environment threshold simply by pointing to comments directed at other individuals).

[4] The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held that evidence that contains hearsay can be considered on summary judgment, so long as it is capable of being admissible at the time of trial. Petruzzi's IGA Supermarkets, Inc. v. Darling-Delaware Co., Inc., 998 F.2d 1224, 1234 n. 9 (3d Cir.1993).