01A33640_r
09-03-2003
John J. O'Grady, Complainant, v. Marianne Lamont Horinko, Acting Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Agency.
John J. O'Grady v. Environmental Protection Agency
01A33640
September 3, 2003
.
John J. O'Grady,
Complainant,
v.
Marianne Lamont Horinko,
Acting Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Agency.
Appeal No. 01A33640
Agency No. 2003-0030-R5
DECISION
Upon review, the Commission finds that complainant's complaint was
properly dismissed pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.107(a)(1) for failure
to state a claim. In a complaint dated February 28, 2003, complainant
alleged that he was subjected to discrimination on the bases of race
(Caucasian) and sex (male) when: (1) the former Administrator of the
agency made hostile statements to him on June 13, 2002 and September
23, 2002; and (2) the agency issued its Affirmative Employment Plan for
Women and Minorities on October 15, 2002.
On appeal, complainant argues that the Administrator's statements
created a hostile work environment for white men because they unveiled
her preferences for women. In one of these statements, for example, the
Administrator stated that she had a large number of female executives
because, �women tend to be more open in the way they make decisions.
We are usually more willing to reach across traditional boundaries
to forge solutions.� Complainant also contends that the Affirmative
Employment Plan furthers the Administrator's discriminatory agenda.
The Commission finds that the complaint fails to state a claim under the
EEOC regulations because complainant failed to allege facts sufficient
to show that he suffered harm or loss with respect to a term, condition,
or privilege of employment for which there is a remedy. Complainant
has failed to explain how these incidents rendered him aggrieved.
The Commission finds that complainant's claim regarding the various
statements by his Administrator is neither sufficiently severe nor
pervasive to state a claim of harassment. Accordingly, the agency's
final decision dismissing complainant's complaint is AFFIRMED.
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS - ON APPEAL
RECONSIDERATION (M0701)
The Commission may, in its discretion, reconsider the decision in this
case if the complainant or the agency submits a written request containing
arguments or evidence which tend to establish that:
1. The appellate decision involved a clearly erroneous interpretation
of material fact or law; or
2. The appellate decision will have a substantial impact on the policies,
practices, or operations of the agency.
Requests to reconsider, with supporting statement or brief, must be filed
with the Office of Federal Operations (OFO) within thirty (30) calendar
days of receipt of this decision or within twenty (20) calendar days of
receipt of another party's timely request for reconsideration. See 29
C.F.R. � 1614.405; Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive for
29 C.F.R. Part 1614 (EEO MD-110), 9-18 (November 9, 1999). All requests
and arguments must be submitted to the Director, Office of Federal
Operations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, P.O. Box 19848,
Washington, D.C. 20036. In the absence of a legible postmark, the
request to reconsider shall be deemed timely filed if it is received by
mail within five days of the expiration of the applicable filing period.
See 29 C.F.R. � 1614.604. The request or opposition must also include
proof of service on the other party.
Failure to file within the time period will result in dismissal of your
request for reconsideration as untimely, unless extenuating circumstances
prevented the timely filing of the request. Any supporting documentation
must be submitted with your request for reconsideration. The Commission
will consider requests for reconsideration filed after the deadline only
in very limited circumstances. See 29 C.F.R. � 1614.604(c).
COMPLAINANT'S RIGHT TO FILE A CIVIL ACTION (S0900)
You have the right to file a civil action in an appropriate United States
District Court within ninety (90) calendar days from the date that you
receive this decision. If you file a civil action, you must name as
the defendant in the complaint the person who is the official agency head
or department head, identifying that person by his or her full name and
official title. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of your
case in court. "Agency" or "department" means the national organization,
and not the local office, facility or department in which you work. If you
file a request to reconsider and also file a civil action, filing a civil
action will terminate the administrative processing of your complaint.
RIGHT TO REQUEST COUNSEL (Z1199)
If you decide to file a civil action, and if you do not have or cannot
afford the services of an attorney, you may request that the Court appoint
an attorney to represent you and that the Court permit you to file the
action without payment of fees, costs, or other security. See Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. � 2000e et seq.;
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. �� 791, 794(c).
The grant or denial of the request is within the sole discretion of
the Court. Filing a request for an attorney does not extend your time
in which to file a civil action. Both the request and the civil action
must be filed within the time limits as stated in the paragraph above
("Right to File A Civil Action").
FOR THE COMMISSION:
______________________________
Carlton M. Hadden, Director
Office of Federal Operations
September 3, 2003
__________________
Date