Job Discrimination: Ikejiaku v. Rochester City School District

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U.S. District Court, Western District of New York

Job Discrimination

Ikejiaku v. Rochester City School District
07-CV-6191
Judge Telesca

Background: The plaintiff, Alexander Ikejiaku, brings this action pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging employment discrimination on the basis of his race, color and Nigerian national origin. Specifically, the plaintiff alleges that his former employer, the Rochester City School District, discriminated against him by failing to classify his position in the appropriate pay bracket and failing to grant him the salary increases and promotions he sought. He further alleges that defendant refused to include his name on a list of individuals who had earned certification as School Business Administrators, and that this failure prevented him from being considered for certain promotional opportunities. The defendant has moved for summary judgment. The defendant argues that even if the claims are not time-barred and the plaintiff has established a prima facie case of discrimination, the defendant has articulated a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for all of its actions with respect to the plaintiff.

Ruling: The evidence demonstrated that the other candidate for the position that the plaintiff sought was unanimously chosen by the committee that conducted interviews and that, while the plaintiff was qualified, the chosen candidate was the candidate that gave the best interview.   The other candidate also demonstrated better communication and analytical skills and he demonstrated the desired “vision” for the future of the position.  The defendant, accordingly, articulated a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for rejecting plaintiff’s application. The plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination. The complaint is dismissed.

Christina A. Agola for the plaintiff; Michael E. Davis, of the RCSD, Department of Law, for the defendant