ROBERT D. MARIANI, District Judge.
Presently before the Court is Old Forge Borough Defendants' (collectively hereinafter "Old Forge")
Plaintiff, Michael Keslosky, filed his Complaint (Doc. 1) with this Court on June 30, 2008. On December 29, 2008, he filed an Amended Complaint (Doc. 35) against Defendants Borough of Old Forge, Borough of Old Forge Council, Borough of Old Forge Police Department, Old Forge Borough Police Officers' Association, Old Forge Civil Service Commission, Lawrence
Judge Munley addressed Defendants' Motions to Dismiss (Docs. 18, 26) by dismissing: (1) Plaintiff's procedural due process claims, including Count I in its entirety; (2) all claims against individual defendants in their official capacities; (3) Defendants Borough of Old Forge Council, Borough of Old Forge Police Department, and Borough of Old Forge Civil Service Commission; and (4) the claim for punitive damages against the Borough of Old Forge. Judge Munley denied the motions to dismiss in all other respects. (Doc. 38).
In May 2012, following the completion of discovery, the remaining defendants filed Motions for Summary Judgment. (Docs. 101, 104, 106, 108).
On March 5, 2013, this Court issued an Order staying the case pending the resolution of Plaintiff's appeal to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court of the Old Forge Borough Council's decision on June 15, 2005 to suspend Plaintiff without pay or benefits until he obtained a current Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission certification. (Doc. 159). On July 23, 2013, the Commonwealth Court issued its Opinion in the matter of Keslosky v. Old Forge Civil Serv. Comm'n and Old Forge Borough, 73 A.3d 665 (Pa. Commw.Ct.2013), affirming the decision of the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, which had previously denied Plaintiff's Petition for Review of the Old Forge Civil Service Commission's decision affirming Plaintiff's suspension. (Doc. 157, Ex. 2; Doc. 160).
Plaintiff's case was re-opened by this Court on October 8, 2013, and upon the request of both Old Forge and Keslosky (Doc. 160), the Court held oral argument on Defendants' motions for summary judgment. During oral arguments, with the consent of Plaintiff, the Court dismissed the Old Forge Borough Police Officers' Association with respect to all causes of action in the case. (Unoff. Tr., at 52-53, 71).
On April 29, 2014, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Keslosky's Petition for Allowance of Appeal from the Order of the Commonwealth Court. (See Doc. 165).
In addition to the Commonwealth Court's findings, which are entitled to collateral estoppel such as to limit the scope of this Court's identification of disputed triable issues of fact,
On September 1, 1979, Michael Keslosky began working for Old Forge Borough as a Patrolman. (Doc. 105, ¶ 1). Following his termination in 1990, Keslosky filed Complaints in 1992 and 1993 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Old Forge Borough and others, alleging violations of his civil rights. (Id. at ¶¶ 3-5). As a result of a settlement in the second action, Keslosky returned to work in September, 1997. (Id. at ¶¶ 7-10). Upon his return, Keslosky received a card from MPOETC (Id. at ¶ 11), which Plaintiff characterizes as his "MPOTEC certification" (Doc. 139, ¶ 11).
Keslosky worked as a Patrolman from September 1997 through March 13, 1998 when he ceased to work, claiming to be suffering a stress related work injury due to harassment at work. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 12-13; Doc. 139, ¶ 13). Because of the alleged hostile work environment from September 1997 through March 1998, Keslosky received treatment from a family doctor, Richard Lazar; a psychologist, Michael Church; and a psychiatrist, David Liskov, for the job-related stress. (Doc. 105, ¶ 35). Dr. Liskov last saw Keslosky on November 5, 1999. (Id. at ¶ 36). In the treatment note from November 5, 1999, Dr. Liskov opined that he "[w]ould be very reluctant to psychiatrically clear this individual to continue in the capacity of a Police Officer if paranoid symptoms are indeed pathological (which they appear at this time)". (Id. at ¶ 37). On March 2, 2000, Dr. Lazar released Keslosky to work, stating that "Michael may return to work when released by Dr. Liskov and Dr. Church." (Id. at ¶ 39).
On March 5, 2001, Keslosky filed a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, stating that due to this harassment, he "has been disabled from performing his pre-injury job." (Oct. 15, 2002, Opinion of William Hall, Doc. 105, Ex. 5, at 4). Workers' Compensation Judge William Hall denied Keslosky's claim for workers' compensation benefits, and the Commonwealth Court upheld Judge Hall's decision on February 25, 2004. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 14, 16).
On January 28, 2002, Keslosky filed a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ("PHRC"), which was cross-filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"). (Id. at ¶ 17).
On May 9, 2002, William J. Rinaldi, Solicitor for Old Forge, wrote a letter to Keslosky's counsel regarding whether Keslosky intended to return to work and requesting a medical release from his treating physicians indicating that he was physically and mentally able to return to work as a Police Officer. (Doc. 105, ¶ 41). On May 15, 2002, Keslosky's attorney wrote to Plaintiff:
Dear Mike:
(Id. at ¶ 42). The parties dispute whether the Borough Solicitor and the Borough received a response to their May 9, 2002, letter. (Doc. 105, ¶ 43; Doc. 139, ¶ 43).
Since Keslosky had not returned to work since March, 1998 (Doc. 105, ¶ 21; Doc. 139, ¶ 21), on August 19, 2003, the Borough held a Pre-Determination Hearing regarding Keslosky and the record remained open until December 9, 2003. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 44, 46).
On September 11, 2003, Dr. Church provided a letter to Plaintiff's counsel in which he stated that "[i]t is my understanding that you need information regarding whether or not Mr. Keslosky was psychologically fit to return to work during my last professional contact with him. Mr. Keslosky was last evaluated and seen by this clinician/examiner during April 2001. He was given psychological assessments and interviewed at that time. It was this clinician's opinion that he was capable of returning to work at that time, as he showed no evidence of gross effective or thought disturbance. I have not seen Mr. Keslosky on a professional basis since this time." (Id. at ¶ 40).
On December 18, 2003, the Borough issued a written conclusion regarding the Pre-Determination hearing, writing that:
(Predetermination Hearing Findings of Fact and Conclusions, Doc. 105, Ex. 17, at 2).
Soon after this decision, Keslosky presented orders to Old Forge dated December 6, 2003, ordering his Army National Guard Unit to active duty and Keslosky immediately began active duty service. (Doc. 105, ¶ 48; Doc. 139, ¶ 48). On August 1, 2004, Keslosky wrote to the Old Forge Chief of Police and informed him that he had been "honorably released from active duty." (Doc. 105, ¶ 49). As a result, on August 10, 2004, Mayor Torquato wrote to Major Richard Mooney, Executive Director of MPOETC, "request[ing his] assistance and guidance concerning [the Borough's] rights as they relate to an employee requesting to return to police duty after an extended absence." (Aug. 10, 2004 Letter from Torquato to Mooney, Doc. 105, Ex. 22; Doc. 105, ¶ 52). On August 16, 2004, Mooney responded to Torquato, writing that Keslosky's certification had expired on June 30, 1999 and outlining the necessary steps for Keslosky to become eligible for certification as a police officer.
On February 16, 2005, Semenza, as Officer in Charge of the Old Forge Police Department, wrote to Mooney asking him to reaffirm the contents of Mooney's August 16, 2004 correspondence to Torquato. (Feb. 16, 2005 Letter from Semenza to Mooney, Doc. 105, Ex. 29). Mooney responded to the letter, "confirm[ing] and restat[ing] the requirements outlined to Mayor Anthony Torquato in 2004 in regard to certification of Michael B. Keslosky III" and stating again that Keslosky's certification expired June 30, 1999. (Feb. 22, 2005 Letter from Mooney to Semenza, Doc. 105, Ex. 30).
Purportedly as a result of Keslosky's non-compliance with the requirements set forth in the September 1, 2004 letter,
On July 11, 2012, Judge Peter O'Brien of the Court of Common Pleas denied Plaintiff's Petition for Review of the Old Forge Civil Service Commission's decision affirming Plaintiffs suspension from the Old Forge Police Department. (Id.). In his opinion, Judge O'Brien held that he was "persuaded that the Commission's adjudications should be upheld because they are supported by the substantial evidence." (Id. at 5). Among the substantial evidence he cited was correspondence from Major Mooney, stating that Plaintiff's "certification expired on June 30, 1999 for failure to comply with the mandatory in-service requirements." Citing to 37 Pa. Code § 203.13(c)(1), Judge O'Brien concluded that Plaintiff's "MPOETC certification expired due [to] his failure to complete
Keslosky appealed Judge O'Brien's decision to the Commonwealth Court, raising two issues: (1) whether the trial court erred in upholding his suspension; and (2) whether the trial court erred by denying his request for back pay. Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 670. The Commonwealth Court found that "Keslosky's appellate argument rests upon the date of his certification expiration" and that despite Keslosky's contention that his certification expired in 2001, "substantial evidence supports the finding that Keslosky's police officer certification expired in 1999." Id. at 670-671. As a result,
Id. at 671.
With respect to back pay, the Court found Keslosky's allegations that "the Borough intentionally caused his certification to expire ... [and] that the Borough is estopped from arguing that it cannot pay Keslosky when it paid him health benefits up until his suspension in 2005 and paid him a bonus check in December 2003 after reinstating him to employment" unpersuasive for two reasons:
Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 672.
In addition to the factual summary above, Keslosky admitted to several key material facts.
With respect to Plaintiff's religion and ethnicity, Keslosky alleges that Defendant Torquato, the Mayor of Old Forge from January 2002 through December 2005, made a comment regarding Keslosky "not celebrating the right Christmas and being a hard headed Russian", but could not identify when this occurred during the Mayor's tenure. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 26-27; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 115). Keslosky also stated that he could not recall Defendants, Old Forge councilmembers Heyen, Scarnato, and Helbing,
Keslosky claims that Defendant Minella, Chairman of the Old Forge Civil Service Commission, told him that he would not be promoted and that he should just sue the Borough. (Doc. 105, ¶ 31; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 117; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Feb. 24, 2012, at 75-76). Plaintiff does not identify the timeframe for these comments, stating that "[i]t may have been around the time of the promotions of Semenza and Bossi
Keslosky further admits that he spoke before Borough Council several times regarding the promotions of Officers Bossi and Semenza, but was unable to identify the time period other than "believ[ing]" it was between September 1997 and March 1998, although "it may have extended beyond that time period, I am not absolutely certain at this time." (Doc. 105, ¶ 33; Dep. of Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 50-51).
Keslosky also testified that between September 1997 and March 1998 Officer Semenza threatened to assault him and put pressure on other Officers not to communicate with him or back him up when he was on duty. (Doc. 105, ¶ 34; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 27, 2012, at 8; see also Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 51-53 (discussing threats of physical harm by Semenza and Bossi during this same time period)).
Through summary adjudication, the court may dispose of those claims that do not present a "genuine issue as to any material fact." Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a). Summary judgment "should be rendered if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials on file, and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c); Turner v. Schering-Plough Corp., 901 F.2d 335, 340 (3d Cir. 1990). "As to materiality, ... [o]nly disputes over facts that might affect the out-come of the suit under the governing law will properly preclude the entry of summary judgment." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).
The party moving for summary judgment bears the burden of showing the absence of a genuine issue as to any material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). Once such a showing has been made, the non-moving party must offer specific facts contradicting those averred by the movant to establish a genuine issue of material fact. Lujan v. Nat'l Wildlife Fed'n, 497 U.S. 871, 888, 110 S.Ct. 3177, 111 L.Ed.2d 695 (1990). Therefore, the non-moving party may not oppose summary
Under the Full Faith and Credit Act, federal courts must give state judicial proceedings "the same full faith and credit in every court within the United States ... as they have by law or usage in the courts of such State ... from which they are taken." 28 U.S.C. § 1738. As a result, the Act "requires that federal courts give the state-court judgment ... the same preclusive effect it would have had in another court of the same State." Parsons Steel, Inc. v. First Alabama Bank, 474 U.S. 518, 525, 106 S.Ct. 768, 88 L.Ed.2d 877 (1986). Furthermore, pursuant to § 1738, federal courts must also give state administrative decisions that have been reviewed by a state court preclusive effect. McLaughlin v. Fisher, 277 Fed.Appx. 207, 214 (3d Cir.2008).
Under the principles of issue preclusion, "once a court has decided an issue of fact or law necessary to its judgment, that decision may preclude relitigation of the issue in a suit on a different cause of action involving a party to the first case." Allen v. McCurry, 449 U.S. 90, 94, 101 S.Ct. 411, 66 L.Ed.2d 308 (1980) (citing Montana v. U.S., 440 U.S. 147, 153, 99 S.Ct. 970, 59 L.Ed.2d 210 (1979)). As such, "once an issue is raised and determined, it is the entire issue that is precluded, not just the particular arguments raised in support of it in the first case." McLaughlin, 277 Fed.Appx. at 213-214 (quoting Yamaha Corp. of Am. v. U.S., 961 F.2d 245, 254 (D.C.Cir.1992)) (italics in original). Thus, collateral estoppel may preclude "relitigation of an issue of evidentiary fact, of ultimate fact (i.e., the application of law to fact), or of law." Id. at 214 (quoting Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 27 cmt. c).
A suit will therefore be barred by the doctrine of collateral estoppel when: "(1) the issue sought to be precluded is the same as that involved in the prior action; (2) that issue was actually litigated; (3) it was determined by a final and valid judgment; and (4) the determination was essential to the prior judgment." Nat'l R.R. Passenger Corp. v. Pa. Public Utility Com'n, 342 F.3d 242, 252 (3d Cir.2003) (internal quotations omitted).
All four elements are applicable to Plaintiff's arguments regarding the date his certification expired. Similarly to Plaintiff's current action, Plaintiff's suit in
Due to the preclusive effect of the state court's decision with respect to many of the issues that Plaintiff raises and "facts" upon which he relies, the Court will give deference to the state court's findings and will not undertake a parallel analysis. As such, we accept as fact that Keslosky's police officer certification expired in 1999. Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 671. Further, the Commonwealth Court found that "it was the Police Commission, not the Borough, that determined that Keslosky's certification had expired in 1999 and that he had to undergo the re-certification process" and that "Keslosky's claim that the Borough caused his certification to lapse lacks merit." Id. at 671-672. These matters have been litigated, determined, and as a matter of state law, the highest Court that had mandatory jurisdiction has ruled on the issues and affirmed the lower court and state administrative agency's decisions. Therefore, we reject Plaintiff's arguments with respect to his certification expiring in 2001, as well as his arguments that the Borough's actions or inactions allegedly caused this expiration.
Relying on the District Court's August 31, 2009 Opinion, 2009 WL 2843326, in this case (Doc. 38), Plaintiff argues that this Court is not collaterally estopped by the state courts' decisions regarding the timing of Plaintiff's certification from deciding the discrimination claims. (Unoff. Tr., at 24). Specifically, in the Court's August 31, 2009 Opinion (Doc. 38), Judge Munley stated that "[i]f plaintiff could prove that defendants acted deliberately to prevent him from receiving the training he needed to be eligible to receive compensation, plaintiff would not be precluded from prevailing on his claims due to his lack of certification." (Doc. 38, at 16). The Court further found that:
(Id. at 22-23).
Plaintiff misinterprets the Court's ruling. A state law determination, such as the timing of the expiration of Keslosky's certification, is entitled to deference. As a result, Keslosky's claims of retaliation are not precluded in themselves, but the state law determinations made by the state courts are entitled to deference in determining whether Plaintiff's discrimination claims can survive summary judgment. Because Plaintiff's certification has been determined, as a matter of state law, to have lapsed as of 1999, the analysis of Plaintiff's federal claims will reflect this expiration of the certification where that fact is relevant to Plaintiff's establishment of the elements necessary to show genuine issues of fact for trial on those federal claims.
Count II of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint, brought against all defendants, alleges a violation of Keslosky's First Amendment right to freedom of speech and association. (Doc. 35).
"To state a First Amendment retaliation claim, a public employee plaintiff must allege that his activity is protected by the First Amendment, and that the protected activity was a substantial factor in the alleged retaliatory action." Gorum v. Sessoms, 561 F.3d 179, 184 (3d Cir.2009) (citing Hill v. Borough of Kutztown, 455 F.3d 225, 241 (3d Cir.2006)). "The first factor is a question of law; the second factor is a question of fact." Id. (internal citations and quotation marks omitted).
"The [Supreme] Court has made clear that public employees do not surrender all their First Amendment rights by reason of their employment. Rather, the First Amendment protects a public employee's right, in certain circumstances, to speak as a citizen addressing matters of public concern." Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410, 417, 126 S.Ct. 1951, 164 L.Ed.2d 689 (2006). If public employees speak in the course of their employment, "the employees are not speaking as citizens for First Amendment purposes, and the Constitution does not insulate their communications from employer discipline." Id. at 421, 126 S.Ct. 1951. However, if an employee speaks as a citizen on a matter of public concern, "[t]he question becomes whether the relevant government entity had an adequate justification for treating the employee differently from any other member of the general public." Id. at 418, 126 S.Ct. 1951.
As such, a Court must apply a three-step analysis in evaluating a public employee's retaliation claim for engaging in protected activity. Baldassare v. State of N.J., 250 F.3d 188, 194 (3d Cir.2001).
Id. at 195 (internal citations and quotation marks omitted).
In response to Defendants' statement of fact that "Mr. Keslosky is alleging that his First Amendment Rights were infringed upon because he was being asked to step away from the podium during Council meetings, that Council was not going to address the issues of which Mr. Keslosky spoke, and that other individuals were not similarly restricted", (Doc. 105, ¶ 108), Plaintiff states:
(Doc. 139, ¶ 108).
Plaintiff's response to Defendants' statement of material facts consists of mere conclusory assertions. Plaintiff has failed to come forward with evidence to support his claims of retaliation and refute Defendants' statements that no dispute of material fact exists such as to allow Keslosky's First Amendment claim to proceed further.
First, Plaintiff does not identify when he was asked to step away from the podium during Council meetings or told that the Council would not address his issues. Second, Plaintiff's argument that Defendants caused his MPOETC certification to expire was specifically rejected by the Commonwealth Court, a finding which is entitled to deference by this Court. See Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 672 ("Keslosky's claim that the Borough caused his certification to lapse lacks merit."). With respect to Plaintiff's allegation that Defendants refused to undertake any action to assist him in attending updates and training, this position is contrary to the Commonwealth Court's affirmance of the Civil Service Commission's decision wherein the Commonwealth Court stated that "Keslosky's requests to have the Borough schedule him for training were made after June 2001, and are irrelevant" because the Borough could not have granted such a request, Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 672. Even if Keslosky's claim that Defendants did not assist him was supported by more than a scintilla of evidence, there is nothing in the record to indicate that Plaintiff made any effort to obtain re-certification in the time period between 1999 through June 2001.
The Court will therefore only apply the Baldassare three-step analysis to evaluate Plaintiffs First Amendment claim as it relates to allegations of being asked to step away from the podium during Council meetings and being told that the Council would not address the issues of which Plaintiff spoke, and Plaintiff's suspension in June 2005.
"To be protected, the speech must implicate a matter of public concern.... Speech implicates a matter of public concern if the content, form, and context establish that the speech involves a matter of political, social, or other concern to the community." Miller v. Clinton Cnty., 544 F.3d 542, 548 (3d Cir.2008) (citing Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 146-148, 103 S.Ct. 1684, 75 L.Ed.2d 708 (1983)). For instance, speech may be a matter of public concern when the speaker seeks to "bring to light actual or potential wrongdoing or breach of public trust" on the part of government officials. Borden v. Sch. Dist. of Twp. of East Brunswick, 523 F.3d 153, 170 (3d Cir.2008) (quoting Connick, 461 U.S. at 148, 103 S.Ct. 1684).
It is undisputed that Keslosky spoke at Council meetings "over the years" on matters within the scope of the First Amendment (Doc. 132, at 20). However, Plaintiff offers insufficient evidence to refute Defendants' contention that he "cannot identify with any particularity the speech he claims was the basis for retaliation" or when this speech occurred (Doc. 132, at
While Keslosky fails to identify with any specificity when the aforementioned speech took place,
Drawing inferences in favor of Plaintiff as the non-moving party and therefore crediting Keslosky's deposition testimony, he still must demonstrate triable issues of fact that his interest in the speech out-weighs the Borough's countervailing interest as an employer in promoting the efficiency of the public services it provides through its employees. See Baldassare, 250 F.3d at 194. Plaintiff fails to meet, or even address, this burden.
Ultimately, Plaintiffs failure to come forward with evidence showing issues of fact for trial as to the occurrence and protected nature of his speech, as well as whether it outweighs the Borough's countervailing interest, precludes a determination that these elements are at issue.
Keslosky also fails to point to specific evidence on the record to establish a genuine issue of material fact to demonstrate that any protected speech was a substantial or motivating factor in the alleged retaliatory action(s). With respect to this factor, Plaintiff states, in conclusory fashion, that "[t]he Borough did respond with retaliation" as a result of Keslosky's constitutionally protected activity, and that Defendants' actions were motivated or
Officer Harris, a police officer with the Old Forge Borough, has been employed by the Borough for over 25 years and gave a deposition in this matter on August 3, 2010. (Dep. of Robert Harris, at 6, 8). Officer Harris only worked with Plaintiff through the 1990s and stated that to his knowledge, he did not believe that Chief Semenza, Bossi, or any of the councilmen, retaliated against Keslosky. (Id. at 13, 34). Plaintiff admits that Harris had no knowledge of any councilperson doing anything to Keslosky to retaliate against him. (Doc. 105, ¶ 157; Doc. 139, ¶ 157). Plaintiff's reliance on Officer Harris' testimony does not support his claims, and regardless, Officer Harris' opinions are irrelevant and do not present evidence of a motivation or a substantial cause for retaliation. As to Plaintiffs claim that "he had to return to work that day to face the very people he accused of doing it," it is unclear what event Plaintiff is referring to, the content of his purported speech, or in what manner he was retaliated against for such speech. Further, this claim establishes that the supposed retaliatory action, if any, necessarily occurred prior to Plaintiffs departure in March 1998 for an alleged stress related injury, thereby making it time-barred.
With the exception of the two aforementioned newspaper articles, Plaintiff does not provide dates with any specificity regarding when the alleged protected speech occurred or the actual content of this speech. Plaintiff also fails to put forth facts demonstrating why certain actions, such as being asked to step away from the podium during Council meetings and being told that the Council would not address the issues of which Plaintiff spoke, and his suspension in June 2005, constitute retaliation for having engaged in protected speech, Without showing specific evidence on the record and by only offering vacuous arguments, Plaintiff does not establish any triable issues of fact. By not pointing to specific speech or the timing of such speech, Keslosky does not demonstrate a material issue with respect to a causal connection or temporal proximity between his protected speech and his suspension. (See Deps. of Michael Keslosky, Docs. 151, 152, 153, wherein Plaintiff's statements of protected activity are general, unspecific, and wholly conclusory, and are not identified as to the particular date, time, or specific content of the speech.).
As such, Keslosky does not point to any evidence on the record that creates an issue of fact as to whether Keslosky's protected speech was a substantial factor in Defendants' alleged retaliatory actions. Moreover, with respect to Keslosky's suspension, as discussed infra, Plaintiff does not put forth any evidence to refute, or otherwise place at issue, Defendants' contention that their decision was reasonably based on an inability to reinstate Keslosky as a police officer due to his lack of certification. As a result, Plaintiff cannot establish a causal link between his protected speech and Defendants' purportedly retaliatory actions. Consequently, Plaintiff is unable to show a triable issue of fact as to whether any protected speech was a substantial or motivating factor in the alleged retaliatory action. Thus, Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on Plaintiffs First Amendment retaliation claim on this basis alone.
Even if Plaintiff was successful in meeting his initial burden of establishing that he engaged in protected speech and
To succeed on his constitutional claims, including First Amendment retaliation, Keslosky must have first established that he was otherwise qualified to serve as a police officer, which in turn depends on when his certification expired. As previously discussed, Keslosky's certification expired in 1999, and this certification is necessary to serve as an Old Forge police officer. Keslosky's repeated refusals to comply with the requirements set forth in the September 1, 2004 letter from the Borough to Keslosky prevented the Borough from reinstating Keslosky to the position of police officer. Plaintiff fails to establish a genuine issue of material fact by putting forth any specific facts regarding his certification to contradict those offered by Old Forge demonstrating that they would have reached the same decision, specifically, Keslosky's suspension in 2005, even in the absence of any protected speech. This failure on Plaintiff's part presents a separate and independent basis for the grant of summary judgment to Defendants.
On the record evidence, Plaintiff's claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. As extensively discussed with respect to Count III (42 U.S.C. § 1983), infra, Keslosky's constitutional claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Here, Plaintiff is well-outside the requisite time period. Any evidence of purported retaliation put forth by Plaintiff that took place during the time Keslosky was working, necessarily occurred prior to March 1998. This includes the time period in which Plaintiff claims he was denied the opportunity to take the Sergeant's test, as well as when he was allegedly "harassed, disciplined, restricted in speech ... [and] restricted in his ability to perform his job duties." (Doc. 35, ¶ 86). Further, any alleged retaliatory actions occurring prior to June 30, 2006 as a result of any protected speech that Keslosky may have engaged in are equally time barred, and Plaintiff offers no evidence of retaliatory actions after 2005, thereby also precluding him from asserting a continuing violation argument as a basis for extending the statute of limitations past 2005.
In Count III, Plaintiff brings a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claim against all defendants.
Keslosky states that his § 1983 claims "arise from the Borough's continuing actions to deny the Plaintiff his updates and training for police certification" due to Plaintiffs prior lawsuits against the Borough, speaking out in public forums against the Police Department and Council members, and "[standing] in the way of Semenza becoming Chief." (Doc. 140, at
(Doc. 35, ¶ 96). Plaintiff's Amended Complaint also alleges that Defendants' actions deprived him of equal protection under the law, violated his liberty interest, and were retaliatory for exercising his right to free speech, and that the pattern and practices of the defendants constituted a policy, custom and/or pattern of subjecting police officers, such as Keslosky, to differential treatment. (Doc. 35, ¶¶ 103, 104, 109, 110).
Preliminarily, we note that Plaintiff's claims that he was denied due process when the Borough did not return him to work and that he remained "indefinitely suspended" are claims that have already been dismissed by Judge Munley's Memorandum Opinion and Order (Doc. 38). Judge Munley's Opinion specifically explains the basis for the dismissal of these claims:
(Doc. 38, at 26). In light of Judge Munley's Opinion, it is unnecessary to address any arguments by Plaintiff with respect to violations of his procedural due process rights, including any violation of his liberty interest.
We now turn to Plaintiffs other claims brought under § 1983 and a review of whether such claims can survive summary judgment.
To succeed on a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the plaintiff must demonstrate the violation of a right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, committed by a person acting under color of state law. Nicini v. Morra, 212 F.3d 798, 806 (3d Cir.2000) (en banc). Section 1983 is not in itself a source of substantive rights, instead providing a remedy for violations of rights protected by other federal statutes or by the U.S. Constitution. City of Oklahoma City v. Tuttle, 471 U.S. 808, 816, 105 S.Ct. 2427, 85 L.Ed.2d 791 (1985). Therefore, in evaluating a § 1983 claim, a Court must first
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment directs that "all persons similarly situated should be treated alike." City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Ctr., 473 U.S. 432, 439, 105 S.Ct. 3249, 87 L.Ed.2d 313 (1985). There are two theories by which a plaintiff may assert an equal protection claim. Under the traditional theory, a plaintiff may be protected from discriminatory treatment based on membership in a protected class such as gender or race. See, e.g., Cleburne, 473 U.S. at 440, 105 S.Ct. 3249 (finding that mental retardation was not a suspect or quasi-suspect class). In contrast, a plaintiff who is not a part of a protected class may still have an equal protection claim under the "class of one" theory. See Village of Willowbrook v. Olech, 528 U.S. 562, 564, 120 S.Ct. 1073, 145 L.Ed.2d 1060 (2000).
Although not specifically identified in the Amended Complaint, both parties argue that Plaintiff alleges a "class-of-one" theory of equal protection. (See Doc. 132, at 16-17; Doc. 140, at 31-33), Under the "class of one" doctrine, a plaintiff may obtain relief for equal protection violations so long as a plaintiff shows that he or she has been "intentionally treated differently from others similarly situated and that there is no rational basis for the difference in treatment", Willowbrook, 528 U.S. at 564, 120 S.Ct. 1073. According to the Third Circuit, to prevail on a class of one equal protection claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that "(1) the defendant treated him differently from others similarly situated, (2) the defendant did so intentionally, and (3) there was no rational basis for the difference in treatment." Walsifer v. Borough of Belmar, 262 Fed.Appx. 421, 425 (3d Cir.2008) (citing Hill v. Borough of Kutztown, 455 F.3d 225, 239 (3d Cir.2006)).
We examine the record evidence to determine if Plaintiff has come forward with facts showing a genuine issue for trial as to any of these elements.
The first step in an equal protection analysis is to ascertain whether a plaintiff was treated differently than similarly situated entities. Cleburne, 473 U.S. at 439, 105 S.Ct. 3249; Melrose, Inc. v. City of Pittsburgh, 613 F.3d 380, 394 (3d Cir.2010). Persons are similarly situated when "they are alike in all relevant aspects." Startzell v. City of Philadelphia, 533 F.3d 183, 203 (3d Cir.2008) (internal quotations omitted).
Keslosky does not present evidence of any similarly situated individuals. Here, Keslosky had not worked in any capacity for Old Forge since 1998. (Doc. 105, ¶ 21).
In his Brief in Opposition to Summary Judgment, Plaintiff does not address Defendants' argument that he is not similarly situated to any other Old Forge employee. At best, he states that:
(Doc. 140, at 32). Without pointing to any evidence on the record to support these statements, Plaintiffs broad assertions fail to establish that any other Old Forge employee was even arguably similarly situated to Plaintiff.
Even if Plaintiff could maintain that he was similarly situated to others, summary judgment must still be granted in favor of Defendants on this claim because Old Forge had a rational basis for their treatment of him, specifically their refusal to reinstate him as a police officer.
"[R]ational-basis review in equal protection analysis `is not a license for courts to judge the wisdom, fairness, or logic' of government activity." Holt Cargo Sys., Inc. v. Del. River Port Auth., 20 F.Supp.2d 803, 825 (E.D.Pa.1998) (quoting Heller v. Doe, 509 U.S. 312, 320, 113 S.Ct. 2637, 125 L.Ed.2d 257 (1993)); see also F.C.C. v. Beach Comm'ns, Inc., 508 U.S. 307, 313, 113 S.Ct. 2096, 124 L.Ed.2d 211 (1993) (holding that government actions will be found rational "if there is any reasonably
In accordance with the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Law, Act 120 of 1974, prior to performing the duties of a municipal police officer, individuals must have a current certification. The Commonwealth Court specifically found both that "substantial evidence supports the finding that Keslosky's police officer certification expired in 1999" and that "Keslosky's requests to have the Borough schedule him for training were made after June 30, 2001, and are irrelevant.... Keslosky's claim that the Borough caused his certification to lapse lacks merit." Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 671. Therefore, as a result of Keslosky's refusal to comply with the requirements set forth in the Borough's September 1, 2004 to him, he was neither entitled to return to work in the capacity of a police officer, nor could the Borough legally allow him to do so. Plaintiff offers no evidence to the contrary. Consequently, Plaintiff does not create any triable issue of fact with respect to whether Defendants' actions were rationally related to a legitimate state interest.
As a result of Plaintiffs failure to demonstrate a genuine issue of fact for trial on his equal protection claim, Old Forge Defendants are entitled to judgment as a matter of law on this claim.
All of Plaintiffs claims under § 1983 are also barred by the statute of limitations. Under Pennsylvania law "the appropriate limitation period for § 1983 actions ... is the two-year limitation provided by 42 Pa.Cons.Stat.Ann. § 5524." Smith v. City of Pittsburgh, 764 F.2d 188, 194 (3d Cir.1985). This statute of limitations begins to run when the plaintiffs cause of action accrues, to wit, "as soon as a potential claimant either is aware, or should be aware, of the existence of and source of an injury." Oshiver v. Levin, Fishbein, Sedran & Berman, 38 F.3d 1380, 1385-1386 (3d Cir.1994).
Here, Plaintiff asserts that Old Forge is incorrect that Keslosky's claims pursuant to § 1983 are barred by the applicable statute of limitations, for two reasons: (1) Plaintiffs claims are subject to the continuing wrong doctrine, and (2) the September 1, 2004 letter, which Defendant Old Forge contends begins the statute of limitations period, is not in fact the trigger. (Doc. 140, at 14). Plaintiff's arguments fail on both fronts.
"The continuing violations doctrine is an `equitable exception to the timely filing requirement.'" Cowell v. Palmer Tp., 263 F.3d 286, 292 (3d Cir.2001) (quoting West v. Philadelphia Elec. Co., 45 F.3d 744, 754 (3d Cir.1995)). "Thus, `when a defendant's conduct is part of a continuing
As a preliminary matter, many of Plaintiff's arguments are foreclosed by the Commonwealth Court's opinion. Plaintiff contends it is important to note that "the Borough continually misrepresented that the Plaintiffs expiration of his MPOETC certification was June 30, 1999 when it was in fact June 30, 2001" and that Plaintiff was not able to discover the truth of this misrepresentation until 2008. (Doc. 140, at 15). However, the Commonwealth Court found that "substantial evidence supports the finding that Keslosky's police officer certification expired in 1999" and therefore "Keslosky's requests to have the Borough schedule him for training were made after June 30, 2001, and are irrelevant." Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 671. Consequently, it is also irrelevant whether or not, as Plaintiff suggests, MPOETC's August 16, 2004 letter regarding Keslosky's certification requirements was the result of the Borough "mislead[ing]" MPOETC or whether MPOETC was aware of a possible "ill-motivated agenda by the Borough" (Doc. 140, at 15).
Further, Plaintiff contends that "for the September 1, 2004 date to constitute a harm that triggers a 2 year statute of limitations, the Borough would have to admit that its actions were indeed an unlawful employment practice." (Doc. 140, at 14-15). An admission by the Borough is unnecessary to this inquiry, and impermissibly shifts the burden, as it is clearly established that a statute of limitations begins to accrue "as soon as a potential claimant either is aware, or should be aware, of the existence of and source of an injury" and "hinges upon actual, as opposed to legal, injury", Oshiver, 38 F.3d at 1386, 1391 n. 9 (emphasis added). Here, as of September 10, 2004, Plaintiff was clearly aware of the alleged injury, as evidenced by his attorney's letter with respect to Plaintiffs certification that "all other items that [the Borough] require[s] are illegal, and constitute a continuing pattern of discrimination against [Keslosky] by the Borough of Old Forge." (Doc. 105, Ex. 27).
Even if the Court were to determine that the statute of limitations did not begin to run upon Plaintiffs receipt of Old Forge's letter in September, 2004, Plaintiff cannot establish a continuing violation. A continuing violation requires the repetition, or recurrence, of acts by the alleged
While Keslosky argues that "no line has been drawn in the sand", he states:
(Doc. 140, at 19). At best, Mooney's deposition demonstrates continual ill effects from any potentially unlawful acts that Defendants took on and/or before June 15, 2005. Because Plaintiff was clearly aware of the acts, and their purported illegality, well prior to Mooney's deposition, and no other affirmative acts were taken after June 15, 2005, there are no "continual unlawful acts" upon which Keslosky can base his argument that his cause of action under the applicable statute of limitations did not accrue until 2010. Further, this argument collapses of its own weight when the Court considers this claim in light of Keslosky's own actions, beginning with his adamant refusal to take the necessary steps to regain certification as reflected in his counsel's letter of September 10, 2004 letter to the Borough (Doc. 105, Ex. 27) and his filing of suit on June 30, 2008, some two years before the deposition of Mooney.
Despite any contention Keslosky makes that "[h]is § 1983 claims arise from the Borough's continuing actions to deny the Plaintiff his updates and training for police certification", and his assertions as to Defendants' purported numerous motives for doing so (Doc. 140, at 18), ultimately, even if the Court were to determine that Keslosky's § 1983 action did not accrue as of September, 2004, upon his receipt of the letter addressed to him from the Borough of Old Forge which detailed the steps necessary for re-certification (Doc. 105, Ex. 26), all of Plaintiff's claims stem from actions taken by the defendants prior to his June 15, 2005 suspension. Thus, the actions and events giving rise to Plaintiffs claims occurred more than three years prior to the filing of his Complaint with this Court. As a result, Plaintiff is outside the requisite two year statute-of-limitations, cannot assert any continuing violation after June 2005, and is time-barred from bringing a § 1983 claim.
Summary judgment therefore must be entered in favor of the Old Forge Defendants on Plaintiffs § 1983 claims.
Plaintiffs Amended Complaint states that in accordance with USERRA, "as of
In 1990, Congress enacted 28 U.S.C. § 1658 "in response to criticism regarding the lack of a uniform federal statute of limitations. Among other purposes, Congress sought to minimize the federal courts' practice of borrowing statutes of limitations from the states. The result was a `catch all' statute of limitations for federal claims." Middleton v. City of Chicago, 578 F.3d 655, 665 (7th Cir.2009) (citing Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co., 541 U.S. 369, 377-80, 124 S.Ct. 1836, 158 L.Ed.2d 645 (2004)). Pursuant to § 1658, "[e]xcept as otherwise provided by law, a civil action arising under an Act of Congress enacted after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 1, 1990] may not be commenced later than 4 years after the cause of action accrues." 28 U.S.C. § 1658(a).
Keslosky filed this action on June 30, 2008 before the VBIA's passage, so the four-year catch-all statute of limitations applies to his USERRA claim. See Baldwin v. City of Greensboro, 714 F.3d 828, 837 (4th Cir.2013) (holding that VBIA did not apply retroactively to the plaintiffs USERRA claim and applying Section 1658's statute of limitations); Middleton, 578 F.3d at 665. Regardless of whether the Court were to determine that the statute of limitations began to run as of Plaintiffs receipt of Old Forge's letter in September, 2004 or as of the Old Forge Borough Council's vote to suspend Plaintiff in June, 2005, Keslosky's USERRA claim is timely.
Under USERRA, "any person whose absence from a position of employment is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to the reemployment rights and benefits and other employment benefits of [USERRA]." 38 U.S.C. § 4312(a). USERRA's provisions operate to provide job security to returning veterans, namely, "Sections 4312 and 4313, the `reemployment provisions,' entitle veterans to reemployment after military service and prescribe the positions to which they are entitled upon returning. 38 U.S.C. §§ 4312, 4313. Section 4311, the `discrimination provision,' prohibits employers from discriminating against veterans on the basis of their military service. 38 U.S.C. § 4311." Petty v. Metro. Gov't of Nashville & Davidson Cnty. (Petty II), 687 F.3d 710, 716 (6th Cir.2012).
"§ 4312 requires an employer to rehire covered employees; § 4311 then operates to prevent employers from treating those employees differently after they are rehired; and § 4316 prevents employers from summarily dismissing those employees for a limited period after they are rehired." Id. at 304 ("Section 4312 places service people and employers on notice that, upon returning from service, veterans are entitled to their previous positions of employment. After being reemployed, the service person is protected by §§ 4316(c)
Under Count IV, the following questions of fact remain with respect to Keslosky's reemployment claim:
To be eligible for re-employment under § 4312, Keslosky "is not required to prove that the employer discriminated
Assuming Plaintiff successfully meets the pre-requisites under § 4312, Keslosky is entitled to the protections of § 4313.
Section 4313 provides that a returning veteran whose period of service was greater than 90 days is entitled to be reemployed "in the position of employment in which the person would have been employed if the continuous employment ... had not been interrupted by such service, or a position of like seniority, status and pay, the duties of which the person is qualified to perform." 38 U.S.C. § 4313(a)(2)(A). This subsection provides for so-called "escalator" promotions, which places "the returning employee in the position he or she would have occupied `with reasonable certainty'
38 U.S.C. § 4313(a)(2)(B) (emphasis added).
In the case of an individual who has a disability incurred in, or aggravated during, his period of service, and who, following reasonable efforts by the employer to accommodate the disability, is not qualified due to the disability to be employed in the position of employment in which he would have been employed if his continuous employment had not been interrupted by the military service, USERRA provides that the person is entitled to return:
38 U.S.C. § 4313(a)(3).
Because an individual must have a current certification prior to performing the duties of a municipal police officer and Keslosky's certification expired in 1999, Keslosky was not qualified to be reinstated in the capacity of a police officer upon his return from his military service. Further, Keslosky states that he "did not incur any disability in service" (Doc. 140, at 39) and does not found his claims under USERRA in whole or in part on § 4313(a)(3)'s protections.
If the individual is not qualified to be employed under the provisions of § 4313(a)(2)(A) or (B) or § 4313(a)(3), and
Id. § 4313(a)(4). "The burden of proving that a returning veteran is not qualified under § 4313 falls on the employer, not the employee." Petty I, 538 F.3d at 444.
Despite Plaintiffs claim that the Borough's reinstatement of Keslosky in December 2003 was unconditional (Doc. 140, at 5), this claim is not factually supported. Plaintiff does not point to any evidence on the record that demonstrates the Borough would not have required Keslosky to obtain proper certification or meet any other requirements necessary to perform the duties of a police officer prior to beginning work in that capacity. Instead, the Borough's Predetermination Hearing Findings of Fact and Conclusions, reinstating Keslosky, broadly states that "the Borough Council has decided to allow you to return to work." (Doc. 105, Ex. 17). The issue thus becomes to what position did Plaintiff have a right to return. As Defendants correctly state, regardless of whether Plaintiffs certification expired in 1999 or 2001, "[t]here is no question that as of December 18, 2003 Mr. Keslosky lacked the qualifications necessary to serve as a Municipal Police Officer as his MPOTEC certification had expired ... [and] under Pennsylvania law, Mr. Keslosky was an individual who needed MPOETC certification prior to being legally qualified to serve as a Police Officer in Pennsylvania." (Doc. 132, at 39-40).
While it is clear that Keslosky was not qualified to return to his position as a police officer, Defendants provide no evidence that there were no other positions available or that Plaintiff was not qualified to perform any available non-police officer duties within the Police Department, or that they were unable to qualify Keslosky for a different job should qualifications be necessary.
Defendants request summary judgment on Plaintiffs USERRA claim largely in reliance upon § 4311. As such, they argue that "for a plaintiff to establish a prima facie case and thereby survive Summary Judgment, he must show that his membership or participation in the Uniform Services was the substantial or motivating
Section 4311 prohibits an employer from denying a military service member "initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment ... on the basis of that membership, ... performance of service,... or obligation." 38 U.S.C. § 4311(a). This provision is violated "if the person's membership, ... service, ... or obligation for service ... is a motivating factor in the employer's action, unless the employer can prove that the action would have been taken in the absence of such membership...." Id. at § 4311(c)(1). By these very terms, USERRA "establishes a two-step burden-shifting framework by which to analyze such claims [of discrimination]." Murphy v. Radnor Tp., 542 Fed.Appx. 173, 176 (3d Cir.2013).
Id. at 176-177 (internal citations and quotations omitted).
"Military status is a motivating factor if the defendant relied on, took into account, considered, or conditioned its decision on that consideration." Id. at 177. Plaintiff may rely on both direct and circumstantial evidence to meet his initial burden of demonstrating that his military status was a motivating or substantial factor in the employer's adverse employment action. Such factors include: proximity in time between the employee's military activity and the adverse employment action, inconsistencies between the proffered reason and other actions of the employer, an employer's expressed hostility towards members protected by the statute together with knowledge of the employee's military activity, and disparate treatment of certain employees compared to other employees with similar work records or offenses,
Sheehan v. Dep't of Navy, 240 F.3d 1009, 1014 (Fed.Cir.2001). In determining whether the employee has met his burden of proof, the Court may consider all record evidence, including the agency's explanation for its actions. Id.
Once the burden shifts to the employer, the "but for" test requires that "if the employer had two reasons for taking an adverse action against the employee, one of them forbidden by the statute and the other not, and the employer can show that even if the forbidden one had been absent the adverse action would still have been taken, the employee loses." Murphy, 542 Fed.Appx. at 177 (quoting Madden v. Rolls Royce Corp., 563 F.3d 636, 638 (7th Cir.2009)).
In the present case, as a matter of law, Keslosky could not return to the Borough of Old Forge as a police officer. Therefore, Plaintiff cannot demonstrate that the Borough discriminated against him under § 4311 with respect to § 4313(a)(2)(A) or (B) or § 4313(a)(3). Plaintiff's cause of action under § 4311 is only viable if there was a position available
Here, an issue of fact as to whether Plaintiffs military status constitutes a "substantial" or "motivating" factor in Defendants' actions, allows Plaintiff to marginally meet his initial burden of proof. Defendants contend:
(Doc. 132, at 40). Plaintiff does not respond to these assertions or offer any evidence indicating that his military status was a consideration of any Defendant. Instead, Plaintiffs brief in opposition to summary judgment merely states that "[t]here is absolutely no excuse for the Defendant's refusal to employ the Plaintiff ... and there is only one logical conclusion to draw from the Plaintiff being on the police roster, being activated to the military, and being refused re-employment when he returned — that the Defendant violated [USERRA]." (Doc. 140, at 40).
At best, the Court can read Plaintiff's sparse assertion as arguing a temporal connection between his military status and Old Forge's refusal to reemploy him. However, this fact alone presents only tenuous and weak circumstantial evidence of Defendants' motivation. As previously stated, Keslosky could not have been on the police roster at the time of his military activation due to his lack of certification. Rather, the Borough's decision in December, 2003, only guaranteed him employment in some capacity for which he was qualified.
Ironically, Defendants point to the one piece of evidence that creates a genuine issue of material fact with respect to their motivation, thereby preventing the grant of summary judgment in their favor. Defendants state that "the most that can be stated regarding Mr. Keslosky's Military discharge was that Mayor Torquato had a concern that the discharge paperwork received from Mr. Keslosky was redacted... [and s]pecifically, Mr. Torquato was concerned regarding any health issues of Mr. Keslosky." (Doc. 132, at 40 (citing Dep. of Anthony Torquato, Doc. 105, Ex. 48, at 62-63)). Compounding Defendants' statement is Torquato's August 10, 2004 letter to "All Members of Borough Council[;] Margaret Mazza, Borough Manager[;] Chief Frank Avvisato[; and] Mr. William Rinaldi, Esquire", wherein he provides the recipients with "information ... provided to [him] at [his] request to have additional details regarding Mr. Keslosky's separation from the U.S. Army and National Guard." (Aug. 10, 2004 Letter from Torquato, Doc. 105, Ex. 21). Torquato explains that
(Id.). The letter concludes by "requesting an urgent meeting ... to further discuss this matter." (Id.). Torquato's letter and deposition indicate that the Borough's decision not to immediately reinstate Plaintiff and/or place him in an appropriate position was conceivably based in large part on his military service or that Plaintiffs service
Accordingly, Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Count IV is denied with respect to Keslosky's re-employment and discrimination claims.
Unlike Plaintiff's USERRA claim, wherein he asserts a re-employment claim in addition to a possible discrimination claim, Plaintiffs PMAA claim relies entirely on allegations of discrimination by Old Forge (see Doc. 35, ¶¶ 136-141; Doc. 140, at 40).
PMAA prohibits discrimination by employers on the basis of an individual's military service. Under PMAA,
51 PA. CONS.STAT. ANN. § 7309(a).
With respect to PMAA, the Third Circuit has recognized that "there is scant case law in our Circuit." Murphy, 542 Fed.Appx. at 180. In the absence of such case law, the Circuit has predicted that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would interpret PMAA's provisions in conformity with USERRA and that the same § 4311 two-step burden-shifting framework should be applied. Id. When an issue is unsettled under Pennsylvania case law, we are bound by the Third Circuit's determination when it has predicted how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide the issue. See, e.g., Martin v. Ford Motor Co., 765 F.Supp.2d 673, 685 n. 8 (E.D.Pa.2011) (quoting DeFebo v. Andersen Windows, Inc., 654 F.Supp.2d 285, 293 (E.D.Pa. 2009)).
Because we have determined that there are triable issues of fact with respect to Plaintiffs USERRA claim of discrimination under § 4311, the Court will also deny Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Count V.
Plaintiff alleges violations by the Borough of Old Forge of the PHRA and Title VII, specifically, violations of (1) 43 P.S. § 955(a) for discrimination on account of national origin/ancestry (Count VI); (2) 43 P.S. § 955(a) for discrimination on account of religion (Count VII); (3) 43 P.S. § 955(d) for retaliation (Count VIII); and
Title VII and the PHRA both prohibit discrimination by an employer against an individual on the basis of that individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a); 43 P.S. § 955(a). In applying the PHRA, the Act is construed consistently with interpretations of Title VII. Gomez v. Allegheny Health Servs., Inc., 71 F.3d 1079, 1083-1084 (3d Cir.1995).
Each of Plaintiffs claims under the PHRA and Title VII fail due to Keslosky's lack of qualification for the position upon which he bases his claim, specifically, a police officer in the Old Forge Borough. Furthermore, a significant number of the alleged acts upon which Plaintiff bases his claims are either time-barred or Plaintiff has failed to identify the time of their occurrence. We will therefore grant Old Forge's motion for summary judgment on Counts VI, VII, VIII, and IX.
The PHRA requires that "any complaint filed pursuant to this section must be so filed within one hundred eighty days after the alleged act of discrimination". 43 P.S. § 959(h). In a deferral state, such as Pennsylvania, a claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is dual filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which allows a claimant to file his complaint within 300 days of the alleged unlawful employment practice. See 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5(e)(1). However, the 300-day statute of limitations only applies to allegations in support of a plaintiffs Title VII claim, not claims brought pursuant to the PHRA. See Mandel, 706 F.3d at 165 (concluding that Plaintiffs PHRA claims were time-barred because "[t]he 300-day extended statute of limitations applies only to the Charge, not to the PHRA filing.").
Keslosky filed a Complaint with the PHRC on January 28, 2002, which was then cross-filed with the EEOC. (Doc. 105, ¶ 17). He subsequently filed an amended complaint on February 8, 2008 with both the PHRC and the EEOC. (Id. at ¶ 18). On May 13, 2008, the PHRC issued Plaintiff a notice of closing letter, stating that "the complaint should be dismissed because the facts of the case do not establish that probable cause exits to credit the allegations of unlawful discrimination." (Doc. 105, Ex. 10).
Defendants argue that the acts which form the basis of Counts VI and VII, violations of the PHRA based on discrimination on account of national origin/ancestry and discrimination on account of religion, occurred more than 180 days prior to Plaintiffs filing of the PHRC Complaint, and the Counts are therefore barred by the statute of limitations. (Doc. 132, at 22-24). Plaintiffs rebuttal that because the PHRC dual filed the Complaint with the EEOC, Keslosky's allegations are within the requisite statutory period, "and other allegations were continuous in nature up to and beyond the filing" (Doc. 140, at 34) is without merit. The 180-day statute of limitations operates to bar any alleged unlawful employment practices brought pursuant to the PHRA. The allegations that occurred within 300 days of the filing of the PHRC Complaint, but more than 180 days of the filing, survive only with respect to Keslosky's Title VII claim.
Keslosky's PHRC Complaint includes a broad array of allegations, all of which are time-barred under the PHRA, and the majority of which are time-barred under Title VII. Keslosky's PHRC Complaint includes
Temporally, none of the aforementioned actions is within 180-days of Plaintiff's PHRC Complaint. The only actions which Plaintiff references in his PHRC Complaint with respect to violations of the PHRA based on discrimination on account of national origin/ancestry that fall within the 300-day statute of limitations, and therefore may support his Title VII claim, are allegations that on July 24, 2001, James Minella, Borough Civil Service Commission Chairman, told him he would not be promoted, the promotion test would not be given, and that Keslosky should sue the Borough, and that upon reporting these comments to Borough officials on August 21, 2001, the officials refused to take any action. (PHRC Complaint, ¶¶ 13-14).
Furthermore, Plaintiff does not present any evidence to establish a triable issue of fact with respect to discrimination on the part of most of the individual Old Forge defendants. Keslosky stated that he could not recall Old Forge councilmembers Heyen, Scarnato, and Helbing, making comments in regard to his ethnicity or religion. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 28-30; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 115-116). With respect to Semenza, Keslosky stated in his deposition that Semenza made comments "over the years" including "referring to me
Keslosky also alleges that Torquato made a comment regarding Keslosky "not celebrating the right Christmas and being a hard headed Russian", but could not identify when this occurred during the Mayor's tenure from 2002 to 2005. (Doc. 105, ¶¶ 26-27; Dep. of Michael Keslosky, Jan. 24, 2012, at 115). Keslosky's allegations regarding Torquato's comments, though made by Keslosky in his deposition in 2012, were never asserted in Keslosky's PHRC Complaint, thereby removing them from this Court's jurisdiction. While Plaintiff did allege in his PHRC Complaint he had been "referred to as a Roundhead, after the domes on Orthodox Churches, or hard headed Russian by co-workers and superiors" (PHRC Complaint, ¶ 18), this statement, as broad and unspecific as it is, cannot be deemed to include Plaintiffs allegations of statements made by Torquato because Torquato's statements were asserted by Keslosky to have been made during the Mayor's tenure from 2002 to 2005, whereas Plaintiffs PHRC Complaint was signed by him and filed on January 28, 2002. Keslosky's inability in his deposition to identify when these statements were made during Torquato's three year tenure as mayor does not allow this Court to manufacture a timely date for the statements that Plaintiff attributes to Torquato.
With respect to Plaintiffs allegations of religious discrimination, the entirety of these claims are statutorily time-barred. Plaintiff states that he is Orthodox and that the Borough of Old Forge scheduled him to work on all Orthodox holidays despite his requests to not be scheduled. (Doc. 35, ¶¶ 152-154). Plaintiff does not allege that his religion was the basis for any other purported acts of discrimination on the part of the defendants. It is undisputed that Keslosky has not been scheduled to work since March, 1998. Consequently, any scheduling disputes necessarily occurred prior to this date. Plaintiff did not file his first PHRC Complaint until January 28, 2002, well past the administrative filing requirements prescribed by both the PHRC and EEOC. On review of the record, Plaintiff has come forward with no facts showing an issue for trial as to the existence of a nexus between his religion and the actions taken against him by Defendants which are not otherwise barred by the statute of limitations. Therefore, summary judgment must be granted in favor of the Borough of Old Forge as to Keslosky's claims of religious discrimination.
Under the burden-shifting framework of McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802-04, 93 S.Ct. 1817, 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973), to establish a prima facie claim of discrimination under Title VII, a plaintiff must demonstrate that "(1) he is a member of a protected class; (2) he was qualified for the position he held; (3) he suffered an adverse employment action; and (4) the circumstances of the adverse employment action give rise to an inference
Here, Defendants concede that Plaintiff has established the first and third elements of the McDonnell Douglas analysis necessary for Plaintiff to establish his prima facie claim as "Plaintiff is a member of a protected class pursuant to his Russian ancestry and ... Plaintiff suffered an adverse employment action when Borough Council voted on June 15, 2005 to suspend Mr. Keslosky." (Doc, 132, at 26). However, Defendants argue that Plaintiff cannot satisfy the second or fourth elements "as he is neither qualified for the position he seeks, a patrolman in Old Forge Borough, nor do the circumstances of Council's June 2005 vote give rise to an inference of discrimination." (Id.).
As previously discussed, there are no issues of fact that Keslosky's certification expired in 1999, that the Borough sent him a letter in 2004 outlining the steps necessary to re-certify as a police officer, and that Keslosky refused to comply with these steps. As such, it is clear that Keslosky was not otherwise qualified for the position upon which he bases his claim, specifically, a police officer in the Old Forge Borough. Plaintiffs argument that the lack of certification by MPOETC is insufficient to demonstrate that he was not qualified is incorrect. Keslosky points to several facts to refute Defendants' assertion that he was not qualified to serve as a police officer, including that "[Keslosky] was a 25 year veteran of the police force[,] Chief Avvisato testified that he was qualified[, and e]veryone who testified said he was a good police officer" (Doc. 140, at 37). These are merely peripheral assertions that do not create a triable issue of fact sufficient for Plaintiff to meet his prima facie burden under McDonnell Douglas to demonstrate he was qualified for the position he sought. Keslosky was not certified as a police officer, and therefore could not legally perform the duties of that position.
Keslosky argues that the requisite adverse action is not only comprised of Plaintiffs suspension, but rather, "is ongoing." (Doc. 140, at 36). These "ongoing" adverse actions are seemingly based on the Borough's non-submission of a Change of Status Form and other actions it took that prevented Keslosky from returning to work. (Id.). However, the Commonwealth Court found that Keslosky's certification expired in 1999, and that any requests by Keslosky "to have the Borough schedule him for training were made after June 30, 2001, and are irrelevant", Keslosky, 73 A.3d at 671. Thus, even assuming that the Borough did take actions which could be considered adverse and there was evidence of an unlawful motive on the part of Old Forge in its dealings with Keslosky, Plaintiffs lack of police officer certification, a pre-requisite to service as a municipal police
Summary judgment will therefore be entered in favor of the Borough of Old Forge on Plaintiffs claims of discrimination on account of national origin and ethnicity both because the claims are time-barred and Plaintiff fails to make a prima facie case.
To establish a prima facie Title VII retaliation claim, an employee must show that "(1) [he] engaged in activity protected by Title VII; (2) the employer took an adverse employment action against [him]; and (3) there was a causal connection between [his] participation in the protected activity and the adverse employment action." Moore v. City of Philadelphia, 461 F.3d 331, 340-341 (3d Cir. 2006) (quoting Nelson v. Upsala Coll., 51 F.3d 383, 386 (3d Cir.1995)). If the employee establishes his prima facie claim, the McDonnell Douglas approach applies, shifting the burden to the employer to advance a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for its conduct. Id. at 342 (quoting Krouse v. Am. Sterilizer Co., 126 F.3d 494, 500 (3d Cir.1997)). If the employer provides such a reason, the plaintiff must then "be able to convince the factfinder both that the employer's proffered explanation was false, and that retaliation was the real reason for the adverse employment action." Id. (quoting Krouse, 126 F.3d at 500-501).
Plaintiff argues that the protected activity at issue includes speaking out against the Borough, police department, Civil Service Commission, Mayor, other Council members, the Police Pension Fund, and the Police Officers' Association; filing grievances, appeals, a Heart & Lung claim, and workers' compensation claim; and requesting records under right to know laws. (Doc. 140, at 38).
Preliminarily, speaking out against a variety of people and requesting records under right to know laws do not facially implicate the protection or prohibitions of the PHRA or Title VII, thereby precluding Plaintiff from meeting the first element of a retaliation claim. Plaintiff offers no evidence that any of the aforementioned activities involve his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, or that a separate cause of action exists under the PHRA and Title VII which would allow this activity to be considered in determining whether his activity was protected under these statutes. Similarly, with respect to Plaintiffs filing of grievances and appeals, Plaintiff neither specifies what he is referring to, nor offers evidence that this activity would be protected under the invoked statutes. Additionally, as previously discussed with respect to Count II (First Amendment retaliation), Plaintiff has failed to present sufficient evidence to show a material issue of fact as to a causal connection between any of his purported protected activities of speaking out and any adverse employment action.
Plaintiffs claim also fails with respect to his allegations of retaliation based on his filing of a workers compensation claim. "[T]he Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that a cause of action exists under Pennsylvania law for wrongful discharge of an employee who files a claim for workers' compensation benefits [and a]lthough the Pennsylvania courts have yet to enumerate the elements of this cause of action, several federal district courts in Pennsylvania have analogized this cause of action to a retaliatory discharge claim under Title VII", an approach the Third Circuit has approved. Dunsmuir v. May
As a result of Plaintiffs failure to point to specific evidence on the record to establish a genuine issue of material fact with respect to Plaintiffs claims under the PHRA and Title VII, Defendants are entitled to judgment as a matter of law with on Counts VI, VII, VIII, and IX of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint.
For all of the foregoing reasons, the Court will grant Old Forge's motion for summary judgment on all of Plaintiffs claims except those brought under USERRA and PMAA as limited herein (Doc. 104). A separate Order follows.
Under USERRA:
38 U.S.C. § 4303(4)(A),
Councilmembers Scarnato, Heyen, and Helbing cannot be held liable as they did not individually have the authority to hire or fire Plaintiff, nor was Plaintiff required to report to them individually. See Satterfield v. Borough of Schuylkill Haven, 12 F.Supp.2d 423, 438 (E.D.Pa.1998) (finding that because plaintiff did not report to any single Borough Councilmember and no single Councilmember had individual power over the plaintiff, the Councilmembers were not "employers" within the meaning of USERRA). The same analysis applies to Minella, as a single member of the Civil Service Commission. With respect to Torquato, Plaintiff admits that the Mayor has no responsibility for the hiring and firing process (Doc. 105, ¶ 237; Doc. 139, ¶ 237). Further, nothing in the record evidence shows Torquato had a supervisory role or other role or responsibilities in monitoring compliance with the police officers' obligation to acquire and maintain certification under MPOETC.
Plaintiff is also unable to bring a USERRA and PMAA claim against Semenza. On August 1, 2004, Keslosky notified the Old Forge Borough Chief of Police, Frank Avvisato, that he had been "honorably released from active duty" and wished to be reinstated. (Aug. 1, 2004 Letter from Keslosky to Avvisato, Doc. 105, Ex. 19). Semenza was not voted Officer in Charge until January or February of 2005 (Dep. of Lawrence Semenza, at 51-52), and was appointed Chief of Police on June 15, 2005 (Notes of Special Meeting of June 15, 2005, Doc. 105, Ex. 54). Plaintiff points to no evidence on the record indicating that prior to January, 2005, Semenza had the ability to hire or fire Keslosky, that he was Keslosky's immediate supervisor, or that the Old Forge Police Chief had delegated any employment-related responsibilities to Semenza that would have placed Semenza within the definition of an "employer" pursuant to USERRA at the time that Keslosky was originally seeking reinstatement upon his return from the armed service.
To the extent that Keslosky's claim against Minella is either that Minella was responsible for Keslosky's failure or inability to be promoted to sergeant or that Minella was responsible for the denial of Keslosky's appeal to the Civil Service Commission on his claim for promotion, it is well-settled that a single member of a body, such as the Civil Service Commission, cannot be held individually liable for the collective action of that body. See Watson v. Borough of Susquehanna, 532 Fed. Appx, 233, 236 (3d Cir.2013) (holding that an individual decision maker could not be held liable unless a majority of the council was held liable for retaliation); see also, Coogan v. Smyers, 134 F.3d 479, 485 (2d Cir.1998). Keslosky brings no claims against any other members of the Civil Service Commission thereby precluding a challenge to the denial by the Commission of his claims or appeals regarding his failure to be promoted. If Plaintiff's First Amendment claim was not time-barred, this analysis would apply equally to that claim against Minella.
