OPINION AND ORDER

WILLIAM C. CONNER, Senior District Judge.Page 1

Plaintiff Denise Woods, an African American woman, brings this action, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1981a, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended by 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et. seq. ("Title VII") and Article 15 of the New York Human Rights Law § 296 (the "New York Human Rights Law"), against defendants Enlarged City School District of Newburgh (the "District") and the District's Superintendent Dr. Richard Nicholas Johns ("Johns") (collectively, "defendants"). Plaintiff alleges that defendants: (1) subjected her to a racially hostile working environment in violation of Title VII; (2) terminated her employment on the basis of her race in violation of Title VII; and (3) retaliated against her, in violation of Title VII and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, for plaintiff's and her husband's statements to Johns that District personnel were racially discriminating against her. Defendants move for summary judgment on all counts. For the reasons that follow, defendants' motion is granted.

BACKGROUND

Plaintiff alleges that, at the onset of her employment, several District employees immediately made her feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed. ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 4; Complt. ¶¶ 8-9, 13.) For example, after she accepted the position of Program Specialist, Runberg introduced plaintiff and her family to his secretary, Pat Crosetta ("Crosetta"), who, according to plaintiff, did not acknowledge their presence. ( See Complt. ¶ 8.) Similarly, plaintiff asserts that when Runberg introduced plaintiff and her family to two teachers, "[b]oth of the teachers acted as if [she] and her family were invisible. . . ." ( See id. ¶ 9.) Although plaintiff claims that Runberg failed to take corrective action with respect to either incident, plaintiff at that time did not inform Runberg of the hostility that she perceived during these introductions. ( See id. ¶ 10.)

The remainder of plaintiff's allegations almost exclusively involve three Caucasian teachers, Linda Apuzzo ("Apuzzo"), Eve Gordon ("Gordon") and Robin Phillips ("Phillips"), whom plaintiff and her counsel refer to as the "clique" throughout plaintiff's submissions to the Court. Plaintiff claims that these women persistently harassed her or acted disrespectful towards her. ( See generally Complt; Pl. Affm. ¶ 3.) For example, plaintiff alleges that, in September 2000, when Runberg first introduced her to the entire staff as the new Program Specialist, they did not clap along with the remainder of the staff in attendance. ( See id. ¶ 14.) Plaintiff asserts that they stared at her "with looks of disgust on their faces." ( See id.) Shortly thereafter, Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips went to plaintiff's office and one of them indicated that plaintiff "didn't know what she was in for, for taking the job." ( See id. ¶ 15.) Gordon also stated that "I'm telling you that you better be prepared. I hope that you're well organized." ( See id. ¶ 16.) On other occasions, according to plaintiff, "[t]hey would come to [her] office or confront her in the hallway and ask her a question[, and w]hile [she was] in the middle of responding to their inquiry[,] they would say forget it or you probably don't know anyway, I'll just go ask Principal Runberg[.]" ( See id. ¶ 18.)

On July 25, 2001, on Runberg's recommendation, the District appointed plaintiff as Assistant Principal of Gardnertown, an administrative position, for a three-year probationary period ending on August 15, 2004. ( See Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 3; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 3; Diaconis Decl., Ex. B; Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 227).) Plaintiff was promoted in accordance with a District directive mandating that all Program Specialists be reclassified as Assistant Principals. ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 3; Pl. Affm. ¶ 2.) As Assistant Principal, plaintiff reported directly to Runberg who in turn reported to the District's administrators, including Assistant Superintendents Olivia Henderson ("Henderson") and Dr. James Dupree ("Dupree"), both of whom are African American. ( See Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. A (Johns Dep. at 36); Pl. Affm. ¶ 3; Defs. Reply Mem. Supp. Summ. J. at 2.)

Plaintiff alleges that upon her promotion to Assistant Principal, Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips continued to treat her with disrespect. ( See generally Complt. ¶¶ 24-180; see also Diaconis Decl., Ex. D (Runberg Dep. at 102); Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 62).) For example, in October 2001, according to plaintiff, Phillips accused plaintiff of poor judgment in the presence of a parent. ( See Complt. ¶ 31.) Plaintiff reported this to Runberg, but he failed to take any disciplinary action against Phillips and instead "interrogated [plaintiff] as if she was the problem." ( See id. ¶ 32.) A month later, while at a staff meeting, Phillips openly criticized a joint decision made by plaintiff and Runberg by shouting, "I don't believe this." ( See id. ¶ 35.) According to plaintiff, Runberg again failed to reprimand Phillips or otherwise indicate that her behavior was unprofessional. ( See id.)

Plaintiff also alleges that, in December 2001, she entered Gordon's classroom to conduct a teacher observation, and Gordon informed her in a nasty manner, "You're not observing me[,] Mr. Runberg is!" ( See id.) Plaintiff alleges that when she approached Runberg regarding this incident, he responded, "You don't want to mess with the union, I'm doing this for your own good!" ( See id. ¶ 45.) According to plaintiff, this demonstrated Runberg's lack of respect for plaintiff and his proclivity to support the teachers rather than her. ( See id. ¶ 46.)

Indeed, plaintiff alleges that Runberg repeatedly sided with the teachers and failed to support her. ( See generally Complt.; see Pl. Affm. ¶ 3; Pl. Mem. Opp. Summ. J. at 2.) For example, plaintiff asserts that, at a meeting in August 2001, Phillips expressed strong opposition to the District's directive to reclassify Program Specialists as Assistant Principals which caused plaintiff to feel "personally and professionally attacked." ( See Complt. ¶¶ 26-27.) Plaintiff alleges that Runberg did not defend the District's position, thereby condoning Phillips's "disrespectful" behavior towards plaintiff. ( See id. ¶ 26.) In addition, upon her promotion to Assistant Principal, plaintiff sent Runberg a memorandum regarding the reassignment of her duties, but, according to plaintiff, he never considered it and "made the teachers aware of that." ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 65); Complt. ¶ 24.) Plaintiff asserts that Runberg thereby failed to "affirm her as a part of his team working toward the good of the school and the students." ( See Complt. ¶ 24.)

In November 2001, plaintiff had a dispute with Phillips that ultimately led Runberg to convene a meeting between the two in an effort to improve their working relationship. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 48).) While the events leading up to the meeting are a bit unclear as a result of the inadequacies of the parties' submissions and the witnesses' lack of recollection of the incident, plaintiff submits that Phillips openly criticized plaintiff's handling of an incident on a school bus and threatened to notify the NTA of the situation. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 49); Complt. ¶ 28.) Plaintiff alleges that Runberg was present when this occurred but failed to offer her any support. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 49); Complt. ¶ 30.)

Subsequently, plaintiff went to Phillips's classroom and confronted her, stating, "You know Mrs. Phillips, I give respect and I demand it. I don't appreciate how you talked to me in that tone about a bus referral that is an administrative issue." ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 50-51).) Phillips thereafter requested a meeting with Runberg regarding the manner in which plaintiff confronted her. ( See id. (Pl. Dep. at 51).) After Runberg informed plaintiff of Phillips's request for a meeting, plaintiff sent Runberg a letter, with a carbon copy to Phillips, requesting that Runberg inform her of the purpose of the meeting and the parties who were expected to attend. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. C.) Plaintiff requested that the administrative union delegate attend the meeting, but he was unavailable and plaintiff therefore attended the meeting without union representation. ( See Complt. ¶¶ 39-40.) The meeting was attended by plaintiff, Phillips, Runberg and Gordon (in her capacity as the teachers' union delegate). ( See id. ¶ 40.) Although plaintiff claims that "Runberg offered [her] no support [at the meeting] and allowed the clique of teachers to viciously attack her," ( see id. ¶ 40), when testifying at her deposition regarding this specific meeting, she made no mention of the manner in which Runberg handled the situation. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 51-52).)

Around the same time, plaintiff also experienced a confrontation with Apuzzo, who ultimately filed a written complaint against plaintiff as a result thereof. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 64); Diaconis Decl., Ex. E.) The confrontation arose from plaintiff's duty as Program Specialist to develop the camera film of teachers who took photographs at student assemblies and other events and to deliver the photographic prints to the respective teachers. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 64, 66).) Plaintiff claims, however, that upon becoming Assistant Principal, she reassigned this task and was no longer responsible for it. ( See id.) To plaintiff's dismay, Apuzzo sent plaintiff a note requesting her photographs which plaintiff characterized as "nasty" and "demanding." ( See id.) Plaintiff immediately reported the incident to Runberg, stating:

I gave you the memo. I'm the assistant principal, I don't go back and forth delivering film to the camera shop any more. That's either the teacher's responsibility or somebody else's.

( See id. (Pl. Dep. at 66).) Runberg told plaintiff not to "worry about the film." ( See id.)

When Apuzzo again asked plaintiff for her photographs, plaintiff requested a meeting with her in plaintiff's office. ( See id.) After Apuzzo did not come to plaintiff's office, plaintiff went to her classroom and instructed her to excuse herself from her class to discuss the situation. ( See id.) In the hallway outside of Apuzzo's classroom, plaintiff stated: "Mrs. Apuzzo, I do not deliver film any more. I am the assistant principal. I gave Mr. Runberg a memo stating that. . . ." ( See id.) According to plaintiff, Apuzzo began screaming which was audible to the students inside the classroom and to another teacher and her class that were entering the building from recess. ( See id. (Pl. Dep. at 66-67).) Plaintiff testified that she walked away and immediately reported the incident to Runberg who then discussed the incident with Apuzzo. ( See id. (Pl. Dep. at 67).) Runberg also requested to see the note that initiated the confrontation, but plaintiff refused to provide it to him and ultimately destroyed it. ( See id. (Pl. Dep. at 67-68).)

On December 10, 2001, Apuzzo filed a written complaint with Runberg as a result of this incident. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. E.) She claimed that plaintiff "yelled at her in front of [her] students and colleague." ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. Z (Apuzzo Dep. at 41).) In a letter to Runberg dated December 10, 2001, she wrote:

I am writing to you regarding the incident in which I was spoken to unprofessionally by an administrator. There seems to be an ongoing situation between me and Denise Woods that I need to make you aware of. Attached is [sic] letter that gives greater detail of numerous situations which I have experienced at Gardnertown School. Some of the situations the letter is regarding are listed below. [(1)] Unprofessional conduct in front of students [(2)] Parental phone call not communicated back to teacher [(3)] Incorrect information on referral letter [(4)] Lack of support in instructional areas [(5)] Lack of providing answers for questions on a regular basis. . . . [This] is certainly not the first time that I have found Denise to be unprofessional toward me. I work far to [sic] hard to be professional in my position, I do not think I am asking too much to expect the same from her.

( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. E.) On December 14, 2001, Gordon, acting as the NTA union delegate, also sent a letter to Runberg, signed by both Apuzzo and herself, requesting that Runberg place a "counseling memo" in plaintiff's file indicating that it is inappropriate to discipline teachers in the presence of students or staff. ( See id.) It also requested that plaintiff "be advised that should another such incident occur, disciplinary action will be taken." ( See id.) In response, Runberg sent Gordon a letter, dated December 20, 2001, with carbon copies to Apuzzo, plaintiff and Henderson, indicating that they were all required to attend a meeting on January 3, 2002 and that Henderson will "assist with facilitating the meeting in a mediation style." ( See id.) However, according to plaintiff, the day prior to the scheduled meeting, Runberg informed her that it was cancelled. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 83); Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 7.)

Plaintiff alleges that at the same time, she requested a meeting with district-wide administrators, and a meeting was subsequently held and attended by Johns, Mary Ellen Leimer ("Leimer"), Mary Ann Joyce ("Joyce") and Runberg. ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 6; Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 70-71).) At the meeting, they discussed the incident involving plaintiff and Apuzzo, including the scheduled January 3^rd meeting and Henderson's anticipated role as a mediator. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 72).) There was reference to a "four-page letter" written by Apuzzo that alleged several complaints against plaintiff. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 72); Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 6.) When plaintiff realized that they were discussing a letter that she had never seen and did not know even existed, she felt "betrayed." ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 1 (Pl. Dep. at 73).) When she asked Runberg why she was not informed of this letter prior to the meeting, he said that he did not want to upset her. ( See id.)

Plaintiff alleges that despite the meeting with administrators, Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips repeatedly attempted to undermine her authority while in the presence of parents and other teachers. For example, plaintiff alleges:

On January 8, 2002, . . . Phillips, a teacher and a union delegate, ambushed and humiliated [me] by bringing up a non agenda topic at a Compact Meeting that included parents. The topic that was improperly shoved into the discussion, once again, dealt with my job duties and the description of those duties.

( See Complt. ¶ 58.) Moreover, the minutes to this meeting, contrary to normal practice, were placed in each teacher's mailbox, which, according to plaintiff, was "done in order to further embarrass and humiliate . . . plaintiff. . . ." ( See id. ¶ 64.) Plaintiff asserts that subsequently, on January 16, 2002, parents confronted her and asked her to explain the role of the Assistant Principal; for example, one parent, a friend of Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips, inquired, "Do you just walk around in heels and smile?" ( See id. ¶ 61.) Plaintiff alleges that Runberg failed to take any remedial action with respect to Phillips's actions at the Compact Meeting, the distribution of the minutes to the teaching staff and the parent's subsequent comment. ( See id. ¶¶ 61, 65.) Additionally, on February 27, 2002, the faculty and staff established a committee to discuss issues regarding the school administration, including the effectiveness of the position of Assistant Principal. ( See id. ¶ 72.) According to plaintiff, Runberg approved this topic of discussion, thereby undermining her authority in the presence of the faculty and staff. ( See id.)

As tension grew between plaintiff and Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips, Runberg scheduled two meetings with plaintiff to discuss her role as an administrator and other related issues. Runberg notified plaintiff that she was obligated to attend a meeting on April 19, 2002, but plaintiff "refused to attend." ( See Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 9; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 9; Complt. ¶¶ 88-89.) Plaintiff alleges:

On April 19, 2002, [w]hen [plaintiff] arrived at her office on this day the agenda [for the meeting with Runberg] was on her chair. The agenda stated the topics to be: Administrator's Role and "Other." [Plaintiff], based on previous meetings, knew that "Other" was a code to ambush and attack her at will. [Plaintiff] informed Principal Runberg that she refused to attend the meeting and discuss her role again with the "clique." She further stated that she was aware that he was her supervisor and that refusing to attend the meeting is an act of insubordination, but that she could not be publicly humiliated again in front of the "clique" of teachers. . . . Principal Runberg stated that if [plaintiff] did not attend the meeting he would be forced to write [her] up. [Plaintiff] responded by stating: ["]Please make sure that I get a copy.["]

( See Complt. ¶¶ 88-89; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 9.)

Runberg did not take disciplinary action against plaintiff at this time, but scheduled another meeting on May 13, 2002, of which he notified plaintiff by letter dated May 1, 2002. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. H; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 10.) However, plaintiff again failed to attend, even after being warned that her absence would constitute insubordination. ( See Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 10; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 9-10; Complt. ¶ 93.) Plaintiff claims that she did not attend because Runberg scheduled the meeting at a time when her attorney was unable to attend, despite Runberg's promise that she "could have a representative of her choice" at the meeting. ( See Complt. ¶¶ 90-91; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 10.) Plaintiff alleges:

Runberg came to [plaintiff's] office and said sarcastically, "I suggest you attend this meeting. If you don't, I'm writing you up on insubordination." [Plaintiff] responded that she would not attend without legal representation. Principal Runberg then stated: "Fine you'll get an insubordination letter in your file."

On May 14, 2002, Runberg sent plaintiff a letter indicating that her absence at the April 19^th and May 13^th meetings constituted insubordination. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. I.) The letter stated:

On two occasions, April 19 and May 13, 2002, I have requested that you attend meetings with teachers and myself. The meetings have been planned to address the concern of the teachers. On both occasions you have refused to attend. These actions constitute insubordination and will lead to disciplinary action. This document is to be placed in your employee personnel file. . . .

( See id.)

Shortly thereafter, on May 23, 2002, plaintiff made her first complaint to Johns that she was being subjected to harassment by Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips and that Runberg was unsupportive and ineffectual in handling her complaints regarding their behavior. ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 11; Complt. ¶ 96.) However, she did not charge that the harassment was racially motivated. She also requested a transfer to North Junior High School, and, according to plaintiff, Johns responded: "Denise just hang in there until the end of June. If a position opens in North, I'll put you there." ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 11; Complt. ¶ 96.) However, when such a position became available, plaintiff was not transferred because, according to Johns and Dupree, the District did not want to transfer plaintiff while she had unresolved personnel issues at Gardnertown, particularly in light of the fact that North Junior High School needed a strong administrator. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. Y (Dupree Dep. at 16-17); Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. A (Johns Dep. at 32); Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. C (Dupree Dep. at 70).) Instead, the District transferred a Caucasian female, who was previously a Program Specialist with the District. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 7; Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. A (Johns Dep. at 34).)

In addition to reporting the alleged harassment to Johns, plaintiff met with Runberg and Henderson on at least two occasions in May or June of 2002. ( See Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 11; Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 11; Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 41-42).) At these meetings, Henderson advised plaintiff "on how to address some of the problems at the school and also . . . to try to mediate with the teachers." ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 42).) Henderson also encouraged plaintiff to work more closely with Runberg. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 42); Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 11; Pl. Affm. ¶ 3.) Henderson and plaintiff also had multiple phone conversations during which they discussed plaintiff's allegations of harassment and, on at least one occasion, plaintiff, her husband and Henderson all met to discuss "the treatment that [plaintiff] was receiving from the white teachers in her school." ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 24); Pl. Affm. ¶ 3; Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 101).) Plaintiff claims that Henderson said that she also faced racism when she became an administrator. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 3.) Henderson, however, denies that she ever said this, and testified that they never discussed race or anything that may have suggested that the harassment alleged by plaintiff was racially motivated. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 28).)

Shortly after plaintiff complained to Johns, Larry Woods ("Woods"), plaintiff's husband, who was an administrator at Gardnertown, informed Johns that a group of Caucasian teachers and Runberg were racially discriminating against plaintiff. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. W (Johns Dep. at 133); Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. AA (L. Woods Dep. at 176); Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 61-65); Pl. Mem. Opp. Summ. J. at 9.) Specifically, during a meeting regarding minority recruitment, Woods publicly questioned the District's efforts in recruiting minorities by making reference to the fact that certain Caucasian teachers were discriminating against plaintiff on the basis of her race. ( See id.) Woods testified:

There was a discussion about recruiting minority candidates in the district. I indicated to Dr. Johns at that meeting, I said, "This is a district that is actively attempting to recruit minorities, but once they get here, you give them no support. Dr. Johns stated, "What do you mean by that?" I stated very firmly and very strongly, I said, "My wife, who is an African American female assistant principal at Gardnertown is being abused on a regular basis by a small clique of Caucasian teachers in the building." At that point in time, since we were in a meeting Dr. Johns said, "Well, if you're going to say something like that, we should talk about this privately."

( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 62); Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. W (Johns Dep. at 184-85, 186-87, 189); Am. Complt. ¶ 5.) Subsequently, Woods met privately with Johns and stated to him:

"there is no secret in this district that my wife is being abused at Gardnertown. It is clear that there is a small clique of teachers who do not want to report to her because she is an African American assistant principal. She is the first ever African American administrator in the history of that school." I said, "When she was a program specialist she had some problems, but the day that she was appointed with ten other assistant principals including myself, she has been under constant attack."

( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 63-64).)

Johns reported Woods's complaints to Henderson, Dupree and Runberg. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. W (Johns Dep. at 147-48, 190, 193).) According to Johns, Henderson, an African American Assistant Superintendent, conducted an investigation and discussed the situation with Apuzzo, Runberg and plaintiff. ( See Diaconis Aff'm, Ex. S (Johns Dep. at 147-48).) Johns testified that Henderson ultimately found that plaintiff's problems at Gardnertown were unrelated to race. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. S (Johns Dep. at 147-48).) He also testified that Henderson reported that plaintiff's problems were largely caused by herself. ( See id. (Johns Dep. at 148).) Dupree, another African American Assistant Superintendent, testified that he discussed the situation with Runberg to determine whether Runberg had acted appropriately to support plaintiff. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. Y (Dupree Dep. 17-18).) Dupree explained:

And what I do remember about that is wanting to get a real clear feeling that Mr. Runberg had done what I thought the right thing to do in terms of supporting an administrator that was having trouble with a staff person. Particularly a minority in an environment like that. I wanted to make sure that Mrs. Woods wasn't let to — wasn't — that she had gotten her fair support in that situation. . . . [A]nd over time I recall feeling that she had gotten fair support. . . . [A]fter a while I began to feel that Denise wasn't putting out the effort that I would like her to put out in order to resolve this conflict with the teachers.

( See id. (Dupree Dep. at 17-18, 67-68).)

Plaintiff alleges that despite the complaints and the subsequent meetings, Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips continued to harass her and question her authority in the presence of Runberg and others, and Runberg continued to ineffectually handle the situation. For example, in May 2002, Apuzzo and another teacher failed to attend a recognition ceremony organized by plaintiff. ( See Complt. ¶ 107.) Plaintiff withheld their certificates of recognition that were presented to the teachers in attendance and requested that Runberg initiate disciplinary action against them for their absence from the ceremony. ( See id.) Runberg ultimately directed plaintiff to give the teachers their awards and did not discipline the teachers for their failure to attend. ( See id.)

Plaintiff also alleges that although she expected to deliver a speech at the sixth grade graduation in June 2002, she was omitted from the program to do so. ( See id. ¶ 115.) When she asked Runberg why she was omitted, he said "I'll look into it." ( See id.) She also claims that at the graduation ceremony, Runberg requested that she handle a disciplinary problem immediately before calling her to the podium to present an award. Plaintiff claims that "[t]his was an attempt to make [her] look bad in public. . . . Clearly, Principal Runberg tried to make it appear as if [plaintiff] was AWOL from the graduation ceremony as well as to publicly humiliate her." ( See id. ¶¶ 118-19.)

In July 2002, Runberg issued plaintiff her year-end evaluation which, according to plaintiff, was merely reflective of the opinions of "the `clique' of teachers" and "consist[ed] of all lies." ( See id. ¶¶ 120, 122.) Plaintiff alleges that "[t]o further humiliate and treat her like a child, Principal Runberg read the false and inaccurate evaluation to her." ( See id. ¶ 120.) The evaluation stated that plaintiff:

has shown an unwillingness to meet with several teachers who have expressed their displeasure in the way [plaintiff] has handled several situations. This lack of communication has impaired her ability to manage, lead, and make decisions for the entire faculty effectively. On two occasions, April 19 and May 13, 2002, [plaintiff] was asked to meet with several teachers that expressed a continued concern over the unresolved issues. [Plaintiff] was asked to attend this meeting and she refused to attend. . . . [Plaintiff's] refusal to meet and discuss the ongoing problems that has arisen between herself and certain faculty members has created an atmosphere of division in the building. These actions are contrary to an effective school climate that is conducive to learning. [Plaintiff] must be responsive to all teachers' needs and concerns regardless of personal feelings toward certain individuals. Teachers have commented that they do not like the feeling in the school. . . . [Plaintiff] has shown her creativity in that she developed the monthly appreciation assemblies this year. . . . This, however, was not without controversy. Several teachers were slighted when they did not received [sic] their certificates of recognition. Here is an example how [plaintiff's] lack of communication is causing a division within the school community. There was also concern over one of the substitutes receiving a certificate of appreciation and other substitutes not receiving any kind of recognition. [Plaintiff] needs to set up the parameters of the programs and then follow through in a fair and consistent manner. . . . [Plaintiff] has taken many parents on tours of our school. She has done a fine job in presenting the school in a positive fashion. . . . There is some concern over [plaintiff's] attendance. On two occasions, one in December and the other in May, [plaintiff] was away from her assistant principal duties. This concern arises in the fact that you can not supervise the employees if you are not there. This is a poor model for the teachers.

( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. K.) Plaintiff was thereafter placed on a corrective action plan to improve her performance as Assistant Principal. ( See id.) At the same time, in order to, inter alia, "develop a more cohesive administrative team with the plaintiff," Johns instructed Henderson to place Runberg on a corrective action plan as well. ( See Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 14; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 14; Diaconis Decl., Ex. F (Henderson Dep. at 69).)

Plaintiff rebutted Runberg's evaluation of her in a five-and-a-half page memorandum. She wrote in pertinent part:

I am extremely alarmed by the contents of this evaluation. I cross referenced this evaluation with one given to me earlier and find the drop in performance over a two month period to be incredible. Additionally, there is little in the evaluation to indicate that it is both retrospective and prospective in its scope. The evaluation scope is limited and the cited incidents seem to pertain to only one area of my responsibility. What about dependability? Does my dependability only extend to the limited area of escorting parents on tours and submitting completed evaluations on a timely basis (the only positive areas mentioned in my evaluation)? Why doesn't my evaluation focus on more of the positive? . . . Finally, no provisions were made to include my input to negate the allegations against me and influence the outcome of the final product. By publicly and privately failing to consider my point of view and my written documentation to offset these accusations represents the act of being arbitrary and capricious. Clearly, you played the role of arresting officer, judge and jury in presenting the "facts" in this evaluation. We are supposed to be an administrative team that is fortified by our desire to conceal our differences from the staff that we supervise to prevent them from exercising divisive tactics. . . . [Y]ou are making claims but there is no written documentation to support the accusations. However, a close review of this evaluation will reveal that its contents mirrors the concerns stated in a letter (see attached) from a teacher that was placed in my file by you without my knowledge. (As your administrative partner, how did you allow this to happen?) I inadvertently became aware of the letter when I was looking through my file for a copy of my college transcript. . . . [With regard to absenteeism,] [a]re you saying that in a whole year, that a two-occasion absenteeism event discounted my ability to supervise and that I'm setting a poor example for the teachers? Is this not a district where teacher absenteeism is abusive? . . . For the record, I have documentation to cover every absence, however, you never requested or indicated that my absence was a problem. "Teachers have commented that they do not like the feeling in the school." How dare you try and blame the school climate on one person. There was division in the school when I walked in as a Program Specialist during my first year in the district. It was out of your mouth that you warned me of division in the school. Additionally, you warned me that there were certain teachers in the school who would resist reporting to me. . . . You totally ignored input and took this select group of teachers' word at face value. . . .

( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. K (bold in original).)

Despite the District's decision to place Runberg and plaintiff on corrective action plans, conflict continued. For example, according to plaintiff, John Ricker ("Ricker"), a physical education teacher, called for an administrator to assist in handling a fight which erupted in the gymnasium. ( See Complt. ¶ 137.) When plaintiff received the phone call, Apuzzo was present and followed plaintiff to the gymnasium. ( See id.) When plaintiff arrived, Apuzzo "ran in front of [plaintiff] and grabbed the student while [plaintiff] was conducting her investigation." ( See id.) According to plaintiff, Ricker was visibly upset and stated, "I called for an administrator to handle the situation. I don't believe it." ( See id.)

A meeting was scheduled to discuss this incident and was attended by plaintiff, Ricker, Runberg, Apuzzo and Henderson. ( See id. ¶ 138.) At this meeting, Apuzzo stated, "Listen Mr. Runberg, I thought you said that she was going to be gone this year. I don't want to deal with her because I have no respect for her. . . . Correction, I have absolutely no respect for you whatsoever." ( See id. ¶¶ 138-39.) To plaintiff's dismay, neither Runberg nor Henderson reprimanded Apuzzo for her remarks. ( See id.)

Plaintiff claims that she thereafter continued to be subjected to various incidents of harassment. For example, she alleges that: (1) nobody sent her get-well cards when she was out on medical leave; (2) she was not thanked for completing work while on leave; (3) Runberg "question[ed] her" when she requested time off to attend chiropractor appointments upon her return from medical leave; (4) she requested a laptop from Runberg and never received it; (5) her name was omitted from the June 2003 graduation ceremony; and (6) Runberg failed to complete her performance evaluations in a timely fashion and provided "lame" excuses therefor. ( See Complt. ¶¶ 140-51.)

Subsequently, on July 18, 2003, plaintiff received her performance evaluation covering the periods of July 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003 and April 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003. In the evaluation for the latter period, Runberg wrote:

The second half of the school year produced no areas of conflict like those that were evident earlier in the school year. This does not mean that there were no hard feelings among the faculty and staff. There is an uneasy acceptance by both sides. Again, [plaintiff] needs to address any and all conflicts that should arise in the future.

( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. R.)

Upon receiving her performance evaluation, plaintiff was seriously upset and called Johns to file a complaint against Runberg regarding the content of the evaluation. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. X (Pl. Dep. at 126); Complt. ¶ 153.) While she claimed that the evaluation was patently untrue and merely reflected the sentiments of Apuzzo, Gordon and Phillips, ( see Complt. ¶ 152; Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. X (Pl. Dep. at 126)), there is no evidence in the record that plaintiff at this time informed Johns that she believed that the evaluation evidenced racial bias or animus on the part of Runberg. ( See Pl. Mem. Opp. Summ. J. at 10; Pl. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 17; Pl. Affm. ¶ 5; see generally Diaconis Decl., Ex. T; see generally Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. X; see generally Sussman Affm., Ex. 1.) According to plaintiff, Johns instructed plaintiff to leave the evaluations on his desk and to "gather all information related to her job and responsibilities." ( See Complt. ¶ 153; see also Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 130).) She believed that Johns intended for her to "make copies of anything that was [her] work," including [m]emos, teacher evaluations, discipline bus referrals," etc. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. 130).) Johns told plaintiff that he would contact her on July 21, 2003, the next business day, to discuss the performance evaluations and her objections thereto. ( See Complt. ¶ 165; Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 239).)

Plaintiff thereafter directed two school employees, Nicole Duquette and Gloria C. Valle, to copy various documents that were stored in file cabinets in Runberg's office and the main office on which plaintiff's name appeared. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep at 230); Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. BB (Duquette Dep. at 7); Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. D (Valle Dep. at 24-25).) Runberg was on vacation at the time, and plaintiff used a key to unlock the cabinets to access the documents. ( See Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. D (Valle Dep. at 25-27).) At plaintiff's direction, Duquette and Valle spent approximately two days photocopying and binding the records, which included teacher observations, student discipline records and memoranda on various subjects. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 132-33, 139); Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. BB (Duquette Dep. at 7); Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. D (Valle Dep. at 25-31).) During these two days, plaintiff never informed Duquette that she was acting pursuant to Johns's direction. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. BB (Duquette Dep. at 8).)

On July 23, 2003, plaintiff brought the bound copies home so that she would have them if Johns called her to discuss the performance evaluations. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 239); Defs. Rule 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 17; Pl. Rule 56.1 Rule Stmt. ¶ 17; Pl. Affm. ¶ 6; Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. D (Valle Dep. at 103).) To plaintiff's dismay, however, Johns never contacted her. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 5; Am. Complt. ¶ 11.) Thereafter, plaintiff began to experience severe psychological problems. She alleges that "[o]n . . . August 16, [2003, she] became overwhelmed and she began crying hysterically, shaking and rattling on and on about her job." ( See Complt. ¶ 173.)

Plaintiff sought psychiatric treatment in August 2003 and was treated by Dr. Albert Crum ("Crum"), who diagnosed her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"). ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 5; Diaconis Aff'm, Ex. M.) Plaintiff claims that she developed PTSD because of "the constant chipping away of her humanity and dignity by [defendants] and the clique of teachers." ( See Complt. ¶ 175.) By letter dated August 17, 2003, Crum informed the District that plaintiff was suffering from serious PTSD and she was unable to return to work at that time and that he would update the District on her condition in thirty days. ( See id. ¶ 175; Diaconis Decl., Ex. M.) Defendants attempted to contact plaintiff several times while she was absent from work, which, according to plaintiff and Crum, caused her severe emotional distress. ( See Complt. ¶¶ 177-78; Diaconis Decl., Ex. M.)

On October 15, 2003, Crum informed Johns by letter that plaintiff was still suffering from PTSD and that she was unable to return to work for another 30 days. He also indicated that he "was surprised that [his] professional request that [Johns] contact [his] office in writing with any questions or requests for any information was ignored and that [Johns] went directly to the Client who [was] in an extremely fragile state." ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. M.) Crum requested that Johns contact Crum or plaintiff's attorney Rudolph Silas if he had any questions. ( See id.)

While plaintiff was absent from work, the District requested Wilbert Knight ("Knight"), an African American, to commence an investigation into plaintiff's alleged use of school personnel to copy student records prior to her departure in July 2003. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. DD (Knight Dep. at 39).) Knight began his investigation in late September and interviewed Runberg, Johns, Duquette and Valle. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. DD (Knight Dep. at 48); Diaconis Reply Decl., Ex. D (Valle Dep. at 41).) Knight concluded the investigation in late November and reported to Johns and District counsel. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. DD (Knight Dep. at 39).) Incidentally, Johns did not mention Knight's investigation when testifying about his decision to recommend plaintiff's termination to the District's Board of Education (the "Board").

By letter dated December 18, 2003, Johns informed plaintiff that he intended to recommend to the Board that her employment be terminated effective on March 1, 2004, and that the Board would act upon his recommendation at its meeting on January 27, 2004. ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. N.) By letter dated January 6, 2004, plaintiff's attorney, Rudolph Silas, Esq., requested a written explanation detailing the reasons underlying Johns's recommendation to the Board to terminate plaintiff. ( See id.) By letter dated the same day, Johns informed plaintiff of the following:

1. You exercised poor judgment in the use of School District resources when you directed clerical staff members assigned to Garndertown School to spend several hours each over a two day period copying student records and teacher personnel records without any prior administrative approval and for no apparent school related purpose. 2. You exercised poor judgment when you had student records copied without parental consent. The copying of student records for review and or use without parental consent, unless there is business necessity constitutes a violation of the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act [("FERPA")]. 3. You exercised poor judgment when you removed School District property, student records and staff personnel records without there being a business of necessity.

( See id.)

Plaintiff thereafter requested the District to send her the policy pursuant to which she was terminated, but the District did not respond. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 6, Ex. 1.) Plaintiff claims that the District did not have a policy regarding the copying of student records at that time and did not adopt such a policy until January 29, 2004, shortly after she was notified of her intended termination. ( See Pl. Mem. Opp. Summ. J. at 13; Sussman Affm., Ex. 9.) Plaintiff also claims that prior to this incident, it was customary for administrators, including herself, to make copies of student records in order to maintain a work portfolio, and that the District never took any sort of disciplinary action in connection therewith. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 6; Diaconis Decl., Ex. T (Pl. Dep. at 229).) In fact, plaintiff claims that she once presented such a portfolio containing copies of student records to Henderson. ( See Sussman Affm., Ex. 11 (L. Woods Dep. at 100-01).) Plaintiff also notes that after the District became aware that she took the documents off school premises, the District never questioned her regarding the incident, never informed her that she may have violated District policy or federal law nor demanded that she return the documents. ( See Am. Complt. ¶¶ 14-15; Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. DD (Knight Dep. at 74); Pl. Affm. ¶ 6.) As indicated by Johns, plaintiff's employment was terminated on March 1, 2004. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. W.)

In April 2004, plaintiff filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging employment discrimination on the basis of her race. The EEOC issued plaintiff a Right to Sue letter dated April 12, 2004. ( See Diaconis Suppl. Decl., Ex. V.) Plaintiff then filed the instant action on July 9, 2004. ( See generally Complt.) On February 6, 2006, after the parties conducted substantial discovery, the District moved for summary judgment on all counts. Plaintiff thereafter requested leave to amend her Verified Complaint to add Johns as a defendant, and, on September 15, 2006, with the Court's permission, plaintiff filed her Amended Complaint. On December 12, 2006, defendants supplemented their summary judgment motion originally filed on February 6, 2006. The motion is now fully submitted for this Court's resolution.

Subsequent to the filing of this lawsuit, however, the District failed to terminate two administrators who, like plaintiff, allegedly violated FERPA, which plaintiff claims is evidence of disparate treatment. ( See Pl. Affm. ¶ 8.) Specifically, in June 2005, the District sent plaintiff and Woods a post card at their residence disclosing that their son had failed a school examination. ( See Sussman Affm., Exs. 6-7; Pl. Affm. ¶ 8; Saturnelli Aff. ¶ 2.) As a result, on February 8, 2006, Woods filed a complaint with the United States Department of Education which subsequently found that the District had violated FERPA by sending a postcard in the mail with their child's grade in plain sight. ( See Sussman Affm., Exs. 7-8; Pl. Affm. ¶ 8; Saturnelli Aff. ¶¶ 2-3.) Dr. Annette Saturnelli ("Saturnelli"), the District's Superintendent at the time, investigated the matter and directed the Principal, Peter Copeletti ("Copeletti"), a Caucasian, and then Assistant Principal, Alan Fairey ("Fairey"), an African American, to cease and desist from disseminating grades in that manner and to begin using a method of notification that ensured student privacy. ( See Saturnelli Aff. ¶ 2.) Although the District did not terminate Copeletti or Fairey, they were both issued a "letter of reprimand" which was placed in their respective personnel files. ( See id., Ex. B.) According to Saturnelli, the District did not terminate either administrator because, unlike plaintiff, they were tenured employees and "the school had a practice in existence for several years of mailing grades out in this manner which practices pre-dated . . . Copeletti's and . . . Fairey's involvement in the matter." ( See id. ¶¶ 3-4.)

DISCUSSION

I. Legal Standard

It is axiomatic that "`at the summary judgment stage 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.'" Kessler v. Westchester County Dep't of Soc. Servs., 461 F.3d 199, 206 (2d Cir. 2006) (quoting Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 249 (1986)). Accordingly, under FED. R. CIV. P. 56, a motion for summary judgment may only be granted "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." "A fact is considered `material' for purposes of Rule 56 if it `might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law.'" Bush v. Fordham Univ., 452 F. Supp. 2d 394, 404 (S.D.N.Y. 2006) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248). The burden rests on the movant to demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. See Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). At this stage of litigation, the court's role is not to decide issues of material fact, but to discern whether any exist. See Gallo v. Prudential Residential Servs., L.P., 22 F.3d 1219, 1224 (2d Cir. 1994). In doing so, the court must resolve all ambiguities and draw all permissible factual inferences against the movant. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255.

"`Once the moving party has made a properly supported showing sufficient to suggest the absence of any genuine issue as to a material fact, the nonmoving party, in order to defeat summary judgment, must come forward with evidence that would be sufficient to support a jury verdict in his favor.'" Hill v. Rayboy-Brauestein, No. 02-CV-3770, 2006 WL 3298383, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 9, 2006) (quoting Goenaga v. March of Dimes Birth Defects Found., 51 F.3d 14, 18 (2d Cir. 1995)). The nonmovant must go beyond the pleadings and "do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts." Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586 (1986); Bush, 452 F. Supp. at 405 ("In making its showing that a genuine issue of material fact exists, the nonmoving party may not rely on `the mere existence of a scintilla of evidence' to support its position, but must instead proffer `evidence on which the jury could reasonably find for the [plaintiff].'" (quoting Dawson v. County of Westchester, 373 F.3d 265, 272 (2d Cir. 2004)).

Moreover, "[i]t is now beyond cavil that summary judgment may be appropriate even in the fact-intensive context of discrimination cases." Abdu-Brisson v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., 239 F.3d 456, 466 (2d Cir. 2001) ("trial courts should not treat discrimination differently from other ultimate questions of fact." (internal quotation marks omitted)). Nonetheless, summary judgment should be "sparingly used where intent and state of mind are at issue, see Montana v. First Fed. Sav. Loan Ass'n of Rochester, 869 F.2d 100, 103 (2d Cir. 1989), because . . . careful scrutiny of the factual allegations may reveal circumstantial evidence to support the required inference of discrimination." Graham v. Long Island R.R., 230 F.3d 34, 38 (2d Cir. 2000) (internal citations omitted); see also Richardson v. N.Y. State Dep't of Corr. Serv., 180 F.3d 426, 437 (2d Cir. 1999) ("summary judgment is appropriate only when application of the law to th[e] . . . facts will reasonably support only one ultimate conclusion."); Gallagher v. Delaney, 139 F.3d 338, 342 (2d Cir. 1998).

II. Title VII — Hostile Working Environment

Plaintiff first alleges that she was subjected to a hostile working environment in violation of Title VII which, in pertinent part, provides: "It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer . . . to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's race. . . ." 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a). "To defeat a motion for summary judgment on a claim of racially hostile working environment, `a plaintiff must produce evidence that the workplace [wa]s permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult, that [wa]s sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the victim's employment.'" Patterson, 375 F.3d at 227 (alterations in original). "The matter of whether the conduct alleged was so `severe or pervasive' as to create `an objectively hostile or abusive work environment' is to be decided based on the totality of the circumstances, in light of such factors as the `frequency of the discriminatory conduct; its severity; whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, or a mere offensive utterance; and whether it unreasonably interferes with an employee's work performance. . . ." Id. (internal citations omitted) (citing Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 21, 23 (1993)); see also Raniola v. Bratton, 243 F.3d 610, 617 (2d Cir. 2001). Such factors "`must be considered cumulatively, so that we may obtain a realistic view of the work environment.'" Raniola, 243 F.3d at 617 (quoting Richardson, 180 F.3d at 437). The crux is "whether a reasonable person who is the target of discrimination would find the working conditions so severe or pervasive as to alter the terms and conditions of employment for the worse." See Richardson, 180 F.3d at 437.

Here, the record is devoid of admissible evidence from which a rational factfinder could find that plaintiff was intimidated, ridiculed or insulted because of her race. Of the approximately two hundred specific incidents of alleged harassment, only one has any racial overtones whatsoever. In particular, plaintiff alleges that Henderson informed her that in April 2002,

in an attempt to turn the entire teaching staff against [plaintiff,] Mrs. Gordon and Mrs. Phillips called a meeting and informed the teachers that [plaintiff] went to the NAACP on them. This is another fabrication by members of the "clique" to place [plaintiff] in a bad light. . . . Plaintiff became aware of this through a surprise two hour interrogation by Olivia Henderson.

( See Complt. ¶¶ 83-84). We first note that Henderson's statement is hearsay, and can thus only be considered as evidence of the fact that Henderson stated this to plaintiff. See Patterson, 375 F.3d at 222; Amnesty Am., 361 F.3d at 131 n. 12; Feingold, 366 F.3d at 156 n. 17. In any event, it is clearly insufficient, standing alone, to sustain a hostile working environment claim. See Richardson, 180 F.3d at 440 (dismissing a claim for hostile working environment when three of fifteen alleged incidents of harassment were racially charged, all three of which constituted disparaging, racist remarks, including that "all of the Black inmates looked alike"); Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *14 (dismissing the plaintiff's claim for hostile working environment when the plaintiff experienced various alleged incidents of harassment that were race neutral and was once called a "nigger" and a "retard" by her supervisors); Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 413-14 (dismissing the plaintiff's claim for hostile working environment when the plaintiff alleged various incidents of harassment that were race neutral, including the fact that a co-worker intentionally slammed the plaintiff's fingers in a door); Turner v. Baylor Richardson Med. Ctr., No. 05-11273, 2007 WL 122003, at *7 (5th Cir. Jan. 19, 2007) (dismissing the plaintiff's Title VII claim when the plaintiff's supervisor referred to inner city children as "ghetto children," stated to the plaintiff that she worked at a university where African Americans attended evening classes "because they could not qualify for regular admission" and "exhibited surprise or disdain when she learned that [the plaintiff] shopped at an upscale shopping mall, drove a Volvo, and had a son that bought and sold cars as a hobby.").

Plaintiff also alleges in her Verified Complaint that Runberg indicated to her at the onset of her employment that "some people . . . will not accept [her] because of the color of [her] skin." ( See Complt. ¶ 11.) However, this statement is not substantiated anywhere in the record, even though both plaintiff and Runberg were deposed. See Budde v. H K Distrib. Co., 216 F.3d 1071, 1071 (2d Cir. 2000) ("Mere . . . unsubstantiated allegations by the opposing party are insufficient to defeat a motion for summary judgment."). In any event, the fact that plaintiff's supervisor, prior to any complaints of racial discrimination on behalf of plaintiff, warned her that some teachers may treat her differently as a result of her race is not relevant to whether plaintiff in fact experienced racial discrimination. Similarly, plaintiff's unsubstantiated claim that Henderson stated that she too faced racism upon becoming an administrator, lends no support to plaintiff's claim that she herself was discriminated against.

Assuming the veracity of plaintiff's allegations in her Verified Complaint, it is abundantly clear that plaintiff has faced numerous obstacles and difficulties at work. A hostile working environment is certainly painful to endure, and this Court is sympathetic to plaintiff's plight. Nevertheless, "[t]he Supreme Court has stated clearly that the antidiscrimination laws are not to be viewed as a `general civility code.'" Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 413 (citing Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775, 778 (1998)). Thus, Title VII requires that plaintiff show evidence that she was discriminated against because of her race, and this she has not done. See Richardson, 180 F.3d at 440; Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *13; Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 413 ("[T]he Second Circuit has unambiguously stated that only conduct prompted by plaintiff's race or national origin contributes to a hostile working environment claim."). Although there is no evidence of racial bias or animus, there is substantial evidence suggesting that plaintiff's problems stemmed from abrasive relations with several of her coworkers. See, e.g., Neratko v. Frank, 31 F. Supp. 2d 270, 284 (W.D.N.Y. 1998) ("Personal animosity is not the equivalent of . . . discrimination and is not proscribed by Title VII. The plaintiff cannot turn a personal feud into a discrimination case by accusation."). Accordingly, plaintiff's hostile working environment claim under Title VII must be dismissed. III. Title VII — Disparate Treatment/Intentional Discrimination

Plaintiff next alleges that she was discharged from her position on the basis of her race in violation of Title VII. In evaluating defendants' motion for summary judgment, we must apply the burden-shifting analysis first set forth by the United States Supreme Court in McDonnell Douglas Corporation v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 (1973). See, e.g., St. Mary's Honor Ctr. v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 506 (1993). Under this framework, in order to establish a claim for intentional discrimination under Title VII, a plaintiff must first establish a prima facie case of racial discrimination. See Hicks, 509 U.S. at 506; Patterson, 375 F.3d at 221. A prima facie case requires that a plaintiff show that: (1) she is a member of a protected class; (2) she satisfactorily performed her job; (3) she suffered an adverse employment action; and (4) the adverse employment action "occurred under circumstances giving rise to an inference of discrimination on the basis of [the] plaintiff's membership in that class." See Farias v. Instructional Sys., Inc., 259 F.3d 91, 98 (2d Cir. 2001); Graham, 230 F.3d at 38; Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *6.

Once the plaintiff presents a prima facie case of intentional discrimination, the defendant has the burden of producing evidence that the adverse employment actions were taken for legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons. See Hicks, 509 U.S. at 506-07; Patterson, 375 F.3d at 222; Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *6. Specifically, the defendant "`must clearly set forth, through the introduction of admissible evidence,' reasons for its actions which, if believed by the trier of fact, would support a finding that unlawful discrimination was not the cause of the employment action." Hicks, 509 U.S. at 507 (quoting Tex. Dep't of Cmty. Affairs v. Burdine, 450 U.S. 248, 254-55, 255 n. 8 (1981)) (emphasis in original); see also Farias, 259 F.3d at 98 ("The defendant is not required to prove that the articulated reason actually motivated its actions."). "`If the defendant carries this burden of production, the presumption raised by the prima facie case is rebutted[,]'" Hicks, 509 U.S. at 507 (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 255); Patterson, 375 F.3d at 222, "and the defendant `will be entitled to summary judgment . . . unless the plaintiff can point to evidence that reasonably supports a finding of prohibited discrimination. . . .'" Farias, 259 F.3d at 98; see also Hicks, 509 U.S. at 507-08; Joseph v. Leavitt, 465 F.3d 87, 90 (2d Cir. 2006); Patterson, 375 F.3d at 222 (citing Smith v. Am. Express Co., 853 F.2d 151, 154-55 (2d Cir. 1988)); Graham, 230 F.3d at 38 ("If such a reason is proffered, the burden shifts back to the plaintiff to prove that discrimination was the real reason for the employment action."); Yarde v. Good Samaritan Hosp., 360 F. Supp. 2d 552, 561 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (citing Hicks, 509 U.S. at 511).

In the present case, plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case of racial discrimination because the record contains no evidence that gives rise to an inference that either her treatment by fellow employees or the decision to terminate her employment was based on her race. Usually, a party establishes an inference of racial discrimination by "demonstrating that other similarly situated persons, not of [plaintiff's] protected class . . ., were treated more favorably than her in the workplace." Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *11. Here, plaintiff has failed to make such a showing. Although plaintiff repeatedly avers in her Verified Complaint, in particular, after each alleged incident of harassment, that "[u]pon information and belief the [p]laintiff knows of no other white assistant principal, past or present, who has experienced similar treatment in the [District]," ( see generally Complt.), this generalized allegation is clearly insufficient to sustain her burden. See Butler v. Raytel Med. Corp., 150 F. App'x 44, 47 (2d Cir. 2005); Patterson, 375 F.3d at 219 ("[A] genuine issue [is not] created merely by the presentation of assertions that are conclusory."); Farias, 259 F.3d at 99 (declining to accept conclusory statements unsupported by the record as grounds to deny summary judgment); Hill, 2006 WL 3298383, at *6 ("Evidence of disparate treatment cannot be based on conclusory allegations.").

The only specific evidence proffered by plaintiff to show disparate treatment is utterly without probative value. In particular, plaintiff claims that subsequent to this lawsuit, the District failed to terminate Copeletti and Fairey for violating FERPA. However, plaintiff's circumstances are dissimilar to those of Copeletti and Fairey in almost every respect. See Graham, 230 F.3d at 39 ("When considering whether a plaintiff has raised an inference of discrimination by showing that she was subjected to disparate treatment, . . . the plaintiff must show [that] she was `similarly situated in all material respects' to the individuals with whom she seeks to compare herself." (quoting Shumway v. United Parcel Serv., Inc., 118 F.3d 60, 63 (2d Cir. 1997)).

As a preliminary matter, we note that any employment action (or lack thereof) to which Fairey was subjected is irrelevant to this analysis because he is African American. See Graham, 230 F.3d at 39 (stating that the purported similarly situated individual must be outside the plaintiff's protected group); Norville v. Staten Island Univ. Hosp., 196 F.3d 89, 95 (2d Cir. 1999) (same). Additionally, Copeletti and Fairey were tenured administrators, while plaintiff was a probationary employee. See, e.g., Feingold, 366 F.3d at 153 ("It is true that, as a probationary [employee], [plaintiff] was not similarly situated to the other [tenured employees] with respect to the conditions under which he could be terminated, and thus the mere fact that he was fired for his adjudications, while they were not, would not by itself support an inference of discrimination."). Finally, the underlying facts constituting the respective violations of FERPA are not at all similar. The District did not terminate plaintiff merely because she violated FERPA, but because she exercised "poor judgment in the use of School District resources when [she] directed clerical staff members . . . to spend several hours each over a two day period copying student records and teacher personnel records without any prior administrative approval and for no apparent school related purpose." ( See Diaconis Decl., Ex. N.) In contrast, Copeletti and Fairey merely mailed post cards to parents notifying them of their children's grades in violation of FERPA. The only similarity between the two incidents is that they both concern student privacy rights. See Graham, 230 F.3d at 40 (stating that similarly situated individuals must have engaged in "comparable conduct"). But the actions of Copeletti and Fairey were not patently unreasonable because "the school had a practice in existence for several years of mailing grades out in this manner which practices pre-dated . . . Copeletti's and . . . Fairey's involvement in the matter." ( See Saturnelli Aff. ¶¶ 3-4.) Thus, plaintiff and Copeletti are not similarly situated, and the District's handling of the situation involving Copeletti and Fairey does not evidence disparate treatment.

In the absence of evidence of disparate treatment, plaintiff must submit some evidence that creates a genuine issue as to whether plaintiff's termination was motivated by racial bias or animus. Here, the record is devoid of any such evidence. See Patterson, 375 F.3d at 212-13, 221-24 (concluding that the plaintiff did not present evidence giving rise to an inference of racial discrimination when the plaintiff showed a past pattern of racially hostile conduct by co-workers but failed to provide any evidence of bias on the part of the individuals who made the decision to terminate the plaintiff); Grillo v. N.Y. City Transit Auth., 291 F.3d 231, 235 (2d Cir. 2002) (dismissing the plaintiff's Title VII claim for racial discrimination because the plaintiff failed to submit evidence of racial animus on the part of those involved in his termination); Duclair v. Runyon, 166 F.3d 1200, 1200 (2d Cir. 1998) (concluding that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination when the evidence showed that the plaintiff's supervisor disliked him personally but never made a derogatory racial or ethnic remark). Plaintiff merely describes her "alleged mistreatment and ask[s] the court to conclude that it must have been related to [her] race. This is not sufficient." Grillo, 291 F.3d at 235 (internal quotation marks omitted; alterations added). Accordingly, plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case of racial discrimination and her claims for racial discrimination must be dismissed.

Even assuming, arguendo, that plaintiff has established a prima facie case of racial discrimination, defendants have submitted admissible evidence that plaintiff was terminated for a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason. Plaintiff, for her part, has failed to submit any evidence that reasonably supports the finding that the District's purported justification was a pretext for racial discrimination. In particular, defendants have shown that the District terminated plaintiff because she exercised poor judgment in directing two school clerical staff members to make, over the course of two business days, voluminous copies of student records, teachers' evaluations and memoranda which she subsequently brought home with her without any prior administrative approval or school-related purpose. See supra pp. 24-25. In response, plaintiff contends that: (1) she was following Johns's instructions to copy her work product in anticipation of their meeting regarding her performance evaluations; (2) neither the District nor Johns contacted her in connection with the District's investigation of this matter prior to their decision to terminate her which, according to plaintiff, is evidence of bad faith; and (3) the District had allowed her and other administrators to make copies of student records on previous occasions. See supra pp. 25-26. However, absent any indicia of racial discrimination on the part of defendants, this is insufficient to defeat defendants' motion for summary judgment. See Yarde v. Good Samaritan Hosp., 360 F. Supp. 2d 552, 561 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) ("There can be absolutely no doubt that . . . plaintiff bears the burden of proving not just pretext, but racial discrimination, St. Mary's Honor Center, 509 U.S. at 511, 113 S.Ct. 2742, and thus the burden of pointing the court to . . . evidence that would raise a disputed issue of material fact on this score."); see also Joseph, 465 F.3d at 93 (dismissing Title VII claim for racial discrimination when the employer proffered a nondiscriminatory justification for the plaintiff's termination and the plaintiff pointed to no evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that the plaintiff was discriminated against on the basis of his race). Accordingly, even assuming, arguendo, that plaintiff has established a prima facie case of racial discrimination, plaintiff's claim still must fail, as she has proffered no evidence that her termination was racially motivated. IV. Title VII — Retaliation

Plaintiff also alleges that defendants discharged her in retaliation for her complaints of racial discrimination in violation of Title VII which, in pertinent part, "forbids an employer to retaliate against an employee for, inter alia, complaining of employment discrimination prohibited by Title VII. . . ." Kessler, 461 F.3d at 205; see also 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3(a). Similar to claims for racial discrimination, claims of retaliation pursuant to Title VII "are analyzed according to the burden-shifting framework set forth in McDonnell Douglas Corp.. . . ." Wimes v. Health, 157 F. App'x 327, 327 (2d Cir. 2005); Reed, 95 F.3d at 1178; Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 415. In order to present a prima facie case of retaliation under Title VII,

a plaintiff must adduce "evidence sufficient to permit a rational trier of fact to find (1) that he engaged in protected participation or opposition under Title VII . . ., (2) that the employer was aware of this activity, (3) that the employer took adverse action against the plaintiff, and (4) that a causal connection exists between the protected activity and the adverse action, i.e., that a retaliatory motive played a part in the adverse employment action."

"As to the `protected activity' element of a Title VII . . . retaliation claim, the plaintiff need only `have a good faith, reasonable belief that he was opposing an employment practice made unlawful by Title VII. . . .'" Kessler, 461 F.3d at 210 (quoting McMenemy v. City of Rochester, 241 F.3d 279, 285 (2d Cir. 2001); Wimes, 157 F. App'x at 328; Wimmer v. Suffolk County Police Dep't, 176 F.3d 125,135 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 528 U.S. 964 (1999) ("a plaintiff may state a prima facie case for retaliation even when her primary claim for discrimination is insufficient to survive summary judgment."); Reed, 95 F.3d at 1178 (quoting Manoharan v. Columbia Univ. Coll. of Physicians Surgeons, 842 F.2d 590, 593 (2d Cir. 1988) ("A plaintiff `"need not establish that the conduct [s]he opposed was in fact a violation of Title VII. . . ."'") (internal alterations in original); Quinn, 159 F.3d at 769. Nonetheless, plaintiff still fails to satisfy this element because the record is devoid of any evidence showing racial animus or bias. Rather, the record shows, at most, that plaintiff was shamefully mistreated by a group of teachers who were Caucasian and that her supervisor ineffectually handled the situation. This is clearly insufficient.

Perhaps the fact that plaintiff was: (1) mistreated by a group of Caucasian teachers; (2) informed by Runberg at the onset of her employment that she may be treated differently because of her race; (3) informed by Henderson that she also faced racism upon becoming an administrator; and (4) not transferred to North Junior High School upon her request, would, taken together, militate in favor of a finding that plaintiff reasonably and in good faith believed that certain teachers were racially discriminating against her. However, plaintiff's allegations that (i) Runberg indicated to her that she may be treated differently as a result of her race and that (ii) Henderson stated that she also faced racism upon becoming an administrator, are not substantiated (and, in the case of Henderson, controverted) by the record. No evidence exists even in the submitted portion of plaintiff's own deposition to support these allegations. While plaintiff's pleading is verified, "[m]ere . . . unsubstantiated allegations by the opposing party are insufficient to defeat a motion for summary judgment." See Butler, 150 F. App'x at 47 (holding that the plaintiff did not sufficiently show that he reasonably believed that he was subjected to racial discrimination because his claim that other white employees being disciplined less severely than blacks "was not supported by other record evidence or by specific examples in [the plaintiff's] own testimony."); Budde, 216 F.3d at 1071; Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 416-17. Thus, left with only the substantiated allegations that plaintiff was mistreated by her Caucasian coworkers and denied a request to transfer to another school, plaintiff cannot show that she had a reasonable basis to believe that she was subjected to racial discrimination.

Assuming, however, that plaintiff reasonably and in good faith believed that she was subjected to racial discrimination, plaintiff cannot make a sufficient showing of a causal connection between her complaints of racial discrimination and her termination. A plaintiff can show a sufficient causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action "either `(1) indirectly, by showing that the protected activity was followed closely by discriminatory treatment, or through other circumstantial evidence such as disparate treatment of fellow employees who engaged in similar conduct; or (2) directly, through evidence of retaliatory animus directed against the plaintiff by defendant.'" Raniola, 243 F.3d at 626 (quoting Gordon v. N.Y. City Bd. of Educ., 232 F.3d 111, 117 (2d Cir. 2000)); Butler, 150 F. App'x at 47. As with her discrimination claims, plaintiff provides no direct evidence of a retaliatory motive for her termination aside from her own conclusory allegations, which are plainly insufficient to defeat defendants' motion for summary judgment. See Cobb v. Pozzi, 363 F.3d 89, 108 (2d Cir. 2004) ("[A] plaintiff may not rely on conclusory assertions of retaliatory motive to satisfy the causal link. Instead, he must produce `some tangible proof to demonstrate that [his] version of what occurred was not imaginary.'" (internal citations omitted; alterations in original)); Budde, 216 F.3d at 1071; Bush, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 416-17.

In the absence of such evidence, plaintiff must rely on the temporal proximity of the protected action and the adverse employment action. See Butler, 150 F. App'x at 47 ("Where there is no direct evidence of a causal relationship, a plaintiff may show a causal relationship by showing temporal proximity.") The Supreme Court has recently noted that

[t]he cases that accept mere temporal proximity between an employer's knowledge of protected activity and an adverse employment action as sufficient evidence of causality to establish a prima facie case uniformly hold that the temporal proximity must be "very close," O'Neil v. Ferguson Constr. Co., 237 F.3d 1248, 1253 ([10th Cir.] 2001). See, e.g., Richmond v. ONEOK, Inc., 120 F.3d 205, 209 ([10th Cir.] 1997) (3-month period insufficient); Hughes v. Derwinski, 967 F.2d 1168, 1174-[75] ([7th Cir.] 1992) (4-month period insufficient).

In the present case, construing the record in the light most favorable to plaintiff, plaintiff complained to Johns of racial discrimination on July 18, 2003, and Johns first notified plaintiff of her termination on December 18, 2003. Thus, there was a five-month interval between her complaint of racial discrimination and her termination. As is evident from the case law in this circuit, in the absence of other evidence of retaliatory motive, such a time lapse precludes a finding of causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action based on temporal proximity. Also, any connection between the adverse employment action and her complaints of racial discrimination are further attenuated because the misconduct for which plaintiff was terminated occurred after her complaints, and defendants have not cited as justification for her termination a reason that preexisted her complaints. Furthermore, as early as the spring of 2002, Woods complained to Johns that plaintiff was subjected to racial discrimination, see supra pp. 510-12, approximately a year-and-a-half prior to plaintiff's termination, and the District has never taken any adverse employment action against Woods, who is still employed by the District. Accordingly, plaintiff is unable to show a causal connection between her protected conduct and the adverse employment action, and plaintiff's Title VII claim for retaliation must be dismissed. V. First Amendment Retaliation

Plaintiff also has included a count for retaliatory discharge under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. To state a claim under § 1983 for retaliation in violation of the First Amendment, plaintiff must demonstrate that: (1) her speech was constitutionally protected; (2) she suffered an adverse employment action; and (3) a causal connection exists between the protected speech and the adverse employment action. See Feingold, 366 F.3d at 160; Washington v. County of Rockland, 373 F.3d 310, 320 (2d Cir. 2004); McGuire v. Warren, 404 F. Supp. 2d 530, 536 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (Conner, J.). Here, plaintiff's speech, i.e., her complaints that she was subject to racial discrimination, are not constitutionally protected. Although "persons do not relinquish their first amendment protections to comment on matters of public interest by becoming public employees[,]" Piesco v. City of New York, Dep't of Personnel, 933 F.2d 1149, 1155 (2d Cir. 1991), "when playing the role of employer, the state possesses `greater leeway to control employees' speech that threatens to undermine its ability to perform its legitimate functions.'" Lewis v. Cowen, 165 F.3d 154, 161 (2d Cir. 1999). Accordingly, for a public employee's speech to be protected under the First Amendment, it must first relate to a "matter of political, social or other concern to the community." Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 146 (1983).

The determination of whether a particular instance of speech relates to a matter of public concern is a question of law for the court and must be "determined by the content, form, and context of a given statement, as revealed by the whole record." Id. at 148; see Hanig v. Yorktown Cent. Sch. Dist., 384 F. Supp. 2d 710, 722 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (Conner, J.). In making its determination, the court should focus on the motive of the speaker and attempt to discern whether the speech was calculated to redress personal grievances or whether it had a broader public purpose. See Lewis, 165 F.3d at 163-64; Hanig, 384 F. Supp. 2d at 722. The key inquiry is whether the statements were made by plaintiff in her role as a disgruntled employee or her role as a concerned citizen. See Lewis, 165 F.3d at 163-64; Hanig, 384 F. Supp. 2d at 722.

In the present case, it is abundantly clear that plaintiff's complaints regarded her individual employment and the manner in which she was treated at the workplace. Plaintiff complained to Johns in private regarding the performance evaluations that she received from Runberg and the racial discrimination to which she was subjected. Plaintiff's speech was not designed to reveal District-wide racism, or address the impact of racism on the school environment, but rather, she was attempting to alleviate her own personal situation in the workplace. See Brown-Scott v. Hartford Bd. of Educ., 51 F. App'x 70, 71 (2d Cir. 2002) (dismissing the plaintiff's First Amendment retaliation claim when the plaintiff complained of racial and age discrimination, reasoning that the plaintiff's complaint "focused entirely on her personal situation and had not been filed to implicate any system-wide problem with the [school d]istrict"); Grillo, 291 F.3d at 235-36 (dismissing the plaintiff's First Amendment retaliation claim because there was "no evidence that the statements were uttered for any other reason than to protect [the plaintiff's] owns rights or to air his personal grievances."). Accordingly, plaintiff's speech is not protected for purposes of her First Amendment retaliation claim, and that claim must therefore be dismissed.

Whether plaintiff was treated unfairly by her colleagues or whether she was the "escalator" as alleged by defendants (or, more likely, a combination thereof) is not for us to decide. Rather, we must determine whether there are any genuine issues of material fact and whether a reasonable jury could find that plaintiff was subjected to racially discriminatory treatment or retaliation for protected conduct. After carefully considering the entire record, it is clear that plaintiff has submitted no admissible evidence showing that her coworkers were motivated by racial bias or animus or that defendants terminated plaintiff for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. Rather, plaintiff submits a litany of alleged incidents of harassment, which occurred over a period of more than three years, that are almost all entirely race-neutral. The record strongly suggests that plaintiff's alleged problems at Gardnertown were unrelated to her race and more likely attributable to personality conflicts with four of her coworkers, all of whom are Caucasian. The only allegations that relate at all to race are either unsubstantiated by admissible evidence or insufficient as a matter of law to create a genuine issue of material fact as to whether plaintiff was subjected to racial or retaliatory treatment. Under these circumstances, defendants' motion for summary judgment must be granted.

CONCLUSION

For the reasons stated above, the motion for summary judgment filed by defendants Enlarged City School District of Newburgh and Dr. Richard Nicholas Johns is granted in its entirety and the Clerk's Office is directed to enter judgment.

SO ORDERED.