Opinion
Civil No. JFM-06-2330.
March 30, 2007
MEMORANDUM
This is an action for alleged racial discrimination brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Defendant has filed a motion for summary judgment to which plaintiff (who is represented by counsel) has not responded. The motion is meritorious and will be granted. The grounds for my ruling may be briefly stated. First, the summary judgment record contains no direct or indirect evidence that defendant had a discriminatory attitude in dealing with plaintiff. Brinkley v. Harbour Recreation Club, 180 F.3d 598, 607 (4th Cir. 1999). Second, plaintiff has not established on the summary judgment record that her job performance was satisfactory — the second element of a prima facie case under the McDonnell Douglas protocol. McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 (1973). Third, plaintiff has not established that there were any employees who were not members of the protected class who were retained under apparently similar circumstances — the fourth element of a prima facie claim under the McDonnell Douglas protocol.
A separate order effecting the ruling made in this memorandum is being entered herewith.
ORDER
For the reasons stated in the accompanying memorandum, it is, this 30th day of March 2007ORDERED
1. Defendant's motion for summary judgment is granted; and
2. Judgment is entered in favor of defendant against plaintiff.