Opinion
23-CV-8000 (LTS)
05-30-2024
JUSTIN SAMUELS, Plaintiff, v. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, Defendant.
ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH LEAVE TO REPLEAD
LAURA TAYLOR SWAIN, CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Plaintiff, who currently resides in Barreiro, Portugal, brings this pro se action under the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, against the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for “discriminatory practices against businesses based on sex.” (ECF 12, at 1.) He asserts that the Court has jurisdiction of his claims under the Tucker Act, which waives sovereign immunity for claims arising from government contracts. By order dated September 20, 2023, the Court granted Plaintiff's request to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”), that is, without prepayment of fees. For the reasons set forth below, the Court dismisses the amended complaint, but grants Plaintiff 30 days' leave to replead his claims in a second amended complaint.
On March 15, 2024, Plaintiff filed an amended complaint.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Court must dismiss an IFP complaint, or any portion of the complaint, that is frivolous or malicious, fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B); see Livingston v. Adirondack Beverage Co., 141 F.3d 434, 437 (2d Cir. 1998). The Court must also dismiss a complaint when the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction of the claims raised. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(h)(3).
While the law mandates dismissal on any of these grounds, the Court is obliged to construe pro se pleadings liberally, Harris v. Mills, 572 F.3d 66, 72 (2d Cir. 2009), and interpret them to raise the “strongest [claims] that they suggest,” Triestman v. Fed. Bureau of Prisons, 470 F.3d 471, 474 (2d Cir. 2006) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted, emphasis in original). But the “special solicitude” in pro se cases, id. at 475 (citation omitted), has its limits -to state a claim, pro se pleadings still must comply with Rule 8 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which requires a complaint to make a short and plain statement showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.
Rule 8 requires a complaint to include enough facts to state a claim for relief “that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007). A claim is facially plausible if the plaintiff pleads enough factual detail to allow the Court to draw the inference that the defendant is liable for the alleged misconduct. Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). In reviewing the complaint, the Court must accept all well-pleaded factual allegations as true. Id. But it does not have to accept as true “[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action,” which are essentially just legal conclusions. Id. (citing Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555). After separating legal conclusions from well-pleaded factual allegations, the Court must determine whether those facts make it plausible - not merely possible - that the pleader is entitled to relief. Id. at 679.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff brings this action against the SBA for alleged discriminatory practices in violation of Section 1981. He asserts that he is a citizen of the United States with an unspecified business and that the SBA is “responsible for providing support to small businesses.” (ECF 12, at 1.) Plaintiff claims that because the SBA has programs that offer “loans and contracts exclusively to women-owned businesses,” the SBA is “discriminating against businesses owned by individuals of other sexes.” (Id. ¶ 3.1.) Plaintiff contends that such “preferential treatment,” which favors individuals based on their sex, is “in direct violation of Section 1981, which “mandates equal treatment for all citizens by the government, regardless of race or sex.” (Id.) Plaintiff further asserts that the SBA's “discriminatory programs and practices” have “precluded [him] from applying for loans and contracts due to [his] gender.” (Id. ¶ 7.)
In support of his claims, Plaintiff cites to the Supreme Court of the United States' decision, Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard Coll., 600 U.S. 181 (2023) (hereinafter SFFA), in which that court held that race based collegiate admissions policies violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Plaintiff also cites to Ultima Servs. Corp. v. U.S. Dep't of Agric., No. 20-CV-00041, 2023 WL 4633481 (E.D. Tenn. July 19, 2023), a decision from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee holding that, post SSFA, the SBA's rebuttable presumption that certain minorities are socially disadvantaged for purposes of its 8(a) program violated equal protection under the Fifth Amendment. Plaintiff also attaches to the amended complaint what appears to be information from the SBA's website about programs available to women. (ECF 12-1.)
Plaintiff seeks a declaration that the SBA's actions are “unconstitutional and illegal” and am injunction prohibiting the SBA from continuing with the alleged discriminatory practices. (ECF 12 ¶ 5.1.) He also seeks unspecified damages.
DISCUSSION
A. Standing
Plaintiff cannot proceed with his claims against the SBA because he does not have standing to assert such claims. The doctrine of standing “limits the category of litigants empowered to maintain a lawsuit in federal court to seek redress for a legal wrong.” Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, 578 U.S. 330, 338 (2016) (citations omitted). Standing is, therefore, “the threshold question in every federal case, determining the power of the court to entertain the suit.” Warth v. Seldin, 422 U.S. 490, 498 (1975).
To have standing to sue, a “plaintiff must have (1) suffered an injury in fact, (2) that is fairly traceable to the challenged conduct of the defendant, and (3) that is likely to be redressed by a favorable judicial decision.” Spokeo, Inc., 578 U.S. at 338 (citing Lujan v. Defs. of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 560-561 (1992)). At the pleading stage, “the plaintiff must ‘clearly . . . allege facts demonstrating' each element” of standing. Id. “[A] generalized grievance, no matter how sincere, is insufficient to confer standing. A litigant . . . claiming only harm to his and every citizen's interest in proper application of the Constitution and laws, and seeking relief that no more directly and tangibly benefits him than it does the public at large . . . does not state an Article III case or controversy.” Hollingsworth v. Perry, 570 U.S. 693, 706 (2013) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
Plaintiff brings this action challenging the SBA's alleged discriminatory practices based on gender, but he alleges no facts showing that he himself has suffered a concrete and particularized injury caused by the SBA's actions. Although he claims that he has been “precluded from applying” for unspecified SBA's programs because of his gender, he provides no facts in support of that statement (ECF 12 ¶ 7); he does not allege that he has ever applied for assistance or funding to the challenged programs and that his application was denied because of his gender. Rather, Plaintiff's claims appear to be based on a possible injury that he may suffer should he apply to the challenged programs. Such speculative harm does not constitute an actual injury sufficient to establish standing. See Clapper v. Amnesty Int'l USA, 568 U.S. 398, 409 (2013) (“[A]llegations of possible future injury are not sufficient” to establish an injury in fact); (Faculty v. N.Y. Univ., 11 F.4th 68, 77 (2d Cir. 2021) (a future injury is not cognizable if “uncertain future action would need to occur before the plaintiffs could arguably suffer the harm alleged”). Plaintiff's claims regarding the SBA's programs for women-owned businesses appear to be merely generalized grievances, which do not establish standing. See Hollingsworth, 570 U.S. at 706. Accordingly, the Court dismisses this action for lack of standing and, consequently, for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3); Mahon v. Ticor Title Ins. Co., 683 F.3d 59, 62 (2d Cir. 2012) (“If plaintiffs lack Article III standing, a court has no subject matter jurisdiction to hear their claim.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); see also Ins. Corp. of Ireland, Ltd. v. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee, 456 U.S. 694, 702 (1982) (“Subject-matter jurisdiction . . . is an Art. III as well as a statutory requirement[.]”).
B. Leave to Amend
Plaintiff proceeds in this matter without the benefit of an attorney. District courts generally should grant a self-represented plaintiff an opportunity to amend a complaint to cure its defects unless amendment would be futile. See Hill v. Curcione, 657 F.3d 116, 123-24 (2d Cir. 2011); Salahuddin v. Cuomo, 861 F.2d 40, 42 (2d Cir. 1988). Indeed, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has cautioned that district courts “should not dismiss [a pro se complaint] without granting leave to amend at least once when a liberal reading of the complaint gives any indication that a valid claim might be stated.” Cuoco v. Moritsugu, 222 F.3d 99, 112 (2d Cir. 2000) (quoting Gomez v. USAA Fed. Sav. Bank, 171 F.3d 794, 795 (2d Cir. 1999)). Because Plaintiff may be able to allege additional facts to show that he has personally suffered some actual or threatened injury as a result of the SBA's actions sufficient for standing, the Court grants him 30 days' leave to submit a second amended complaint. In that pleading, Plaintiff should identify his business, allege facts showing that he suffered injury as a result of the defendant's actions, and indicate that venue for the alleged events giving rise to his claims is appropriate in this court.
Plaintiff, who resides in Portugal, asserts that venue is proper in this court because the alleged actions of the SBA took place in this district. (ECF 12 ¶ 2.) He does not, however, provide any facts suggesting that anything related to his pleading occurred in this district. Under the general venue provision, 28 U.S.C. § 1391, which applies to Section 1981 claims, such claims may be brought in:
(1) a judicial district in which any defendant resides, if all defendants are residents of the State in which the district is located; (2) a judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated; or (3) if there is no district in which an action may otherwise be brought as provided in this section, any judicial district in which any defendant is subject to the court's personal jurisdiction with respect to such action.28 U.S.C. § 1391(b).
If Plaintiff does not file a second amended complaint within the time allowed, the Court will direct the Clerk of Court to enter a judgment dismissing this action for the reasons set forth in this order.
CONCLUSION
The Court dismisses this action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3). All other pending matters in this case are terminated.
The Court, however, grants Plaintiff 30 days' leave to file a second amended complaint, as specified in this order. If Plaintiff does not file a second amended complaint within the time allowed, or fails to show cause as to such failure, the Court will direct the Clerk of Court to enter a judgment dismissing this action for the reasons stated in this order.
The Court certifies under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(3) that any appeal from this order would not be taken in good faith, and therefore IFP status is denied for the purpose of an appeal. See Coppedge v. United States, 369 U.S. 438, 444-45 (1962).
The Court directs the Clerk of Court to hold this matter open on the docket until a civil judgment is entered.
SO ORDERED.
SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT
Do you want a jury trial?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
Write the full name of each defendant. If you need more space, please write “see attached” in the space above and attach an additional sheet of paper with the full list of names. The names listed above must be identical to those contained in Section II.
NOTICE
The public can access electronic court files. For privacy and security reasons, papers filed with the court should therefore not contain: an individual's full social security number or full birth date; the full name of a person known to be a minor; or a complete financial account number. A filing may include only: the last four digits of a social security number; the year of an individual's birth; a minor's initials; and the last four digits of a financial account number. See Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2.
I. BASIS FOR JURISDICTION
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (limited power). Generally, only two types of cases can be heard in federal court: cases involving a federal question and cases involving diversity of citizenship of the parties. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, a case arising under the United States Constitution or federal laws or treaties is a federal question case. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, a case in which a citizen of one State sues a citizen of another State or nation, and the amount in controversy is more than $75,000, is a diversity case. In a diversity case, no defendant may be a citizen of the same State as any plaintiff.
What is the basis for federal-court jurisdiction in your case?
[ ] Federal Question
[ ] Diversity of Citizenship
A. If you checked Federal Question
Which of your federal constitutional or federal statutory rights have been violated?
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B. If you checked Diversity of Citizenship
1. Citizenship of the parties
Of what State is each party a citizen?
The plaintiff, ___, is a citizen of the State of
(Plaintiff's name)
(State in which the person resides and intends to remain.)
or, if not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, a citizen or subject of the foreign state of ___.
If more than one plaintiff is named in the complaint, attach additional pages providing information for each additional plaintiff.
If the defendant is an individual:
The defendant, ___, is a citizen of the State of
(Defendant's name)
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or, if not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, a citizen or subject of the foreign state of .
If the defendant is a corporation:
The defendant, ___, is incorporated under the laws of the State of ___
and has its principal place of business in the State of ___
or is incorporated under the laws of (foreign state) and has its principal place of business in .___
If more than one defendant is named in the complaint, attach additional pages providing information for each additional defendant.
II. PARTIES
A. Plaintiff Information
Provide the following information for each plaintiff named in the complaint. Attach additional pages if needed.
First Name ___Middle Initial ___ Last Name ___
Street Address___
County, City ___ State Zip ___ Code ___
Telephone Number ___ Email Address (if available) ___
B. Defendant Information
To the best of your ability, provide addresses where each defendant may be served. If the correct information is not provided, it could delay or prevent service of the complaint on the defendant. Make sure that the defendants listed below are the same as those listed in the caption. Attach additional pages if needed.
Defendant 1:
First Name ___Last Name ___
Current Job Title (or other identifying information) ___
Current Work Address (or other address where defendant may be served) ___
County, City ___ State ___ Zip Code ___
Defendant 2:
First Name ___ Last Name ___
Current Job Title (or other identifying information) ___
Current Work Address (or other address where defendant may be served) ___
County, City ___State Zip ___ Code ___
Defendant 3:
First Name ___Last Name ___
Current Job Title (or other identifying information)
Current Work Address (or other address where defendant may be served)
County, City ___ State ___ Zip Code ___
Defendant 4:
First Name ___ Last Name ___
Current Job Title (or other identifying information)
Current Work Address (or other address where defendant may be served)
County, City ___ State ___Zip Code ___
III. STATEMENT OF CLAIM
Place(s) of occurrence:
Date(s) of occurrence:
FACTS:
State here briefly the FACTS that support your case. Describe what happened, how you were harmed, and what each defendant personally did or failed to do that harmed you. Attach additional pages if needed.
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INJURIES:
If you were injured as a result of these actions, describe your injuries and what medical treatment, if any, you required and received.
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IV. RELIEF
State briefly what money damages or other relief you want the court to order.
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V. PLAINTIFF'S CERTIFICATION AND WARNINGS
By signing below, I certify to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief that: (1) the complaint is not being presented for an improper purpose (such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation); (2) the claims are supported by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument to change existing law; (3) the factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery; and (4) the complaint otherwise complies with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11.
I agree to notify the Clerk's Office in writing of any changes to my mailing address. I understand that my failure to keep a current address on file with the Clerk's Office may result in the dismissal of my case.
Each Plaintiff must sign and date the complaint. Attach additional pages if necessary. If seeking to proceed without prepayment of fees, each plaintiff must also submit an IFP application.
Dated ___ Plaintiff's Signature ___
First Name ___Middle Initial ___Last Name___
Street Address___
County, City___ State ___Zip Code
Telephone Number ___Email Address (if available) ___
I have read the Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent to Receive Documents Electronically: [ ] Yes [ ] No
If you do consent to receive documents electronically, submit the completed form with your complaint. If you do not consent, please do not attach the form.
United States District Court / Southern District of New York
Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent to Receive Documents Electronically
Parties who are not represented by an attorney and are not currently incarcerated may choose to receive documents in their cases electronically (by e-mail) instead of by regular mail. Receiving documents by regular mail is still an option, but if you would rather receive them only electronically, you must do the following:
1. Sign up for a PACER login and password by contacting PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov or 1-800-676-6856;
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) (www.pacer.uscourts.gov) is an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts, and the PACER Case Locator over the internet.
2. Complete and sign this form.
If you consent to receive documents electronically, you will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing by e-mail each time a document is filed in your case. After receiving the notice, you are permitted one “free look” at the document by clicking on the hyperlinked document number in the e-mail. Once you click the hyperlink and access the document, you may not be able to access the document for free again. After 15 days, the hyperlink will no longer provide free access. Any time that the hyperlink is accessed after the first “free look” or the 15 days, you will be asked for a PACER login and may be charged to view the document. For this reason, you should print or save the document during the “free look” to avoid future charges.
You must review the Court's actual order, decree, or judgment and not rely on the description in the email notice alone. See ECF Rule 4.3
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Local Civil Rule 5.2, and the Court's Electronic Case Filing Rules & Instructions, documents may be served by electronic means. If you register for electronic service:
1. You will no longer receive documents in the mail;
2. If you do not view and download your documents during your “free look” and within 15 days of when the court sends the e-mail notice, you will be charged for looking at the documents;
3. This service does not allow you to electronically file your documents;
4. It will be your duty to regularly review the docket sheet of the case.
The docket sheet is the official record of all filings in a case. You can view the docket sheet, including images of electronically filed documents, using PACER or you can use one of the public access computers available in the Clerk's Office at the Court.
CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC SERVICE
I hereby consent to receive electronic service of notices and documents in my case(s) listed below. I affirm that:
1. I have regular access to my e-mail account and to the internet and will check regularly for Notices of Electronic Filing;
2. I have established a PACER account;
3. I understand that electronic service is service under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule 5.2 of the Local Civil Rules, and that I will no longer receive paper copies of case filings, including motions, decisions, orders, and other documents;
4. I will promptly notify the Court if there is any change in my personal data, such as name, address, or e-mail address, or if I wish to cancel this consent to electronic service;
5. I understand that I must regularly review the docket sheet of my case so that I do not miss a filing; and
6. I understand that this consent applies only to the cases listed below and that if I file additional cases in which I would like to receive electronic service of notices of documents, I must file consent forms for those cases.
Civil case(s) filed in the Southern District of New York:
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Note: This consent will apply to all cases that you have filed in this court, so please list all of your pending and terminated cases. For each case, include the case name and docket number (for example, John Doe v. New City, 10-CV-01234).
Name (Last, First, MI) ___
Address City ___State ___ Zip Code ___
Telephone Number ___E-mail Address ___
Date ___Signature___