McDonnell Douglas test (District of Columbia) · Go Syfert
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McDonnell Douglas test in District of Columbia

13 District of Columbia opinions name it 1 courts 2000–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by District of Columbia courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (10)

CaseFollowedCited
Furline v. Morrisongreen
dc · 2008 · cited in 3 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2014–2025
2 sentences

2022Under either the McDonnell Douglas standard or a “mixed motives” analysis, “the burden of persuasion ‘remains at all times’ with the plaintiff employee to prove that the employer took adverse action for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason (in whole or part).” Id. 20 We have not had occasion to squarely address the level of causation necessary for a “mixed motives” claim. 5 In Babb v. Wilkie, 206 L.

2022Under either the McDonnell Douglas standard or a “mixed motives” analysis, “the burden of persuasion ‘remains at all times’ with the plaintiff employee to prove that the employer took adverse action for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason (in whole or part).” Id. 20 We have not had occasion to squarely address the level of causation necessary for a “mixed motives” claim. 5 In Babb v. Wilkie, 206 L.

13
McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Greengreen
scotus · 1973 · cited in 2 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2008–2012
2 sentences

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

12
Hollins v. Federal National Mortgage Ass'ngreen
dc · 2000 · cited in 2 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2007–2008
2 sentences

2008The McDonnell Douglas framework requires that the plaintiff first establish a prima facie case of discrimination, which then "raises a rebuttable presumption that the employer’s conduct amounted to unlawful discrimination.” Hollins, 760 A.2d at 571 .

2008The McDonnell Douglas framework requires that the plaintiff first establish a prima facie case of discrimination, which then "raises a rebuttable presumption that the employer’s conduct amounted to unlawful discrimination.” Hollins, 760 A.2d at 571 .

12
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Alton Packaging Corp.green
ca11 · 1990 · cited in 2 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2000–2005
2 sentences

2005It has been held that "the McDonnell Douglas test 'is to be applied in cases where the circumstantial evidence is the only proof of discrimination.’ ” Id. at 574 (quoting Equal Employment Opportunity Comm’n v. Alton Packaging Corp., 901 F.2d 920, 923 (11th Cir.1990)). 11 .

2005It has been held that "the McDonnell Douglas test 'is to be applied in cases where the circumstantial evidence is the only proof of discrimination.’ ” Id. at 574 (quoting Equal Employment Opportunity Comm’n v. Alton Packaging Corp., 901 F.2d 920, 923 (11th Cir.1990)). 11 .

12
Babb v. Wilkiegreen
scotus · 2020 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
2 sentences

2022Under either the McDonnell Douglas standard or a “mixed motives” analysis, “the burden of persuasion ‘remains at all times’ with the plaintiff employee to prove that the employer took adverse action for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason (in whole or part).” Id. 20 We have not had occasion to squarely address the level of causation necessary for a “mixed motives” claim. 5 In Babb v. Wilkie, 206 L.

2022Under either the McDonnell Douglas standard or a “mixed motives” analysis, “the burden of persuasion ‘remains at all times’ with the plaintiff employee to prove that the employer took adverse action for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason (in whole or part).” Id. 20 We have not had occasion to squarely address the level of causation necessary for a “mixed motives” claim. 5 In Babb v. Wilkie, 206 L.

11
Jones v. Bernankegreen
cadc · 2009 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014Cf. Jones, 557 F.3d at 679 (holding that evidence “the employer had knowledge of the employee’s protected activity, and the adverse personnel action took place shortly after that activity” was sufficient to establish a prima facie case that his supervisors knew of the protected activity).

2014Cf. Jones, 557 F.3d at 679 (holding that evidence “the employer had knowledge of the employee’s protected activity, and the adverse personnel action took place shortly after that activity” was sufficient to establish a prima facie case that his supervisors knew of the protected activity).

11
Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N. A.green
scotus · 2002 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

11
Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurstongreen
scotus · 1985 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

2008McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 93 S.Ct. 1817 , 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973); see also Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506, 511 , 122 S.Ct. 992 , 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002) (noting that “if a plaintiff is able to produce direct evidence of discrimination, he may prevail without proving all the elements of a prima facie case”); Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111, 121 , 105 S.Ct. 613 , 83 L.Ed.2d 523 (1985) (“[T]he McDonnell Douglas test is inapplicable where the plaintiff presents direct evidence of discrimination.”). 22 . 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. 23 .

11
A.R. Peter Lafond v. General Physics Services Corporationgreen
ca2 · 1995 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006Corp., 50 F.3d 165, 172 (2d Cir.1995) (finding no error in the district court’s application of the McDonnell Douglas analysis to Connecticut’s whistleblower act).

2006Corp., 50 F.3d 165, 172 (2d Cir.1995) (finding no error in the district court’s application of the McDonnell Douglas analysis to Connecticut’s whistleblower act).

11
Patterson v. McLean Credit Unionred
scotus · 1989 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
2 sentences

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in District of Columbia. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (11)

CaseCitedYears
Propp v. Counterpart International green
dc · 2012
2 sentences

2023A. Prima Facie Case of Retaliation “To establish a prima facie case of retaliation, the plaintiff must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) [she] was engaged in a protected activity . . . ; (2) the employer took an adverse action against [her]; and (3) a causal 11 connection existed between [her] opposition or protected activity and the adverse action taken against [her].” Propp, 39 A.3d at 863 . 1.

2023A. Prima Facie Case of Retaliation “To establish a prima facie case of retaliation, the plaintiff must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) [she] was engaged in a protected activity . . . ; (2) the employer took an adverse action against [her]; and (3) a causal 11 connection existed between [her] opposition or protected activity and the adverse action taken against [her].” Propp, 39 A.3d at 863 . 1.

12023–2023
Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Products, Inc. green
scotus · 2000
2 sentences

2008Once appellant made a prim a facie case and the employer presented a non-discriminatory reason, “the McDonnell Douglas framework — with its presumptions and burdens — disappeared, and the sole remaining issue was discrimination vel non.” Reeves, 530 U.S. at 142-43 , 120 S.Ct. 2097 (quotation marks and citations omitted).

2008Once appellant made a prim a facie case and the employer presented a non-discriminatory reason, “the McDonnell Douglas framework — with its presumptions and burdens — disappeared, and the sole remaining issue was discrimination vel non.” Reeves, 530 U.S. at 142-43 , 120 S.Ct. 2097 (quotation marks and citations omitted).

12008–2008
Gay Rights Coalition of Georgetown University Law Center v. Georgetown University green
dc · 1987
2 sentences

2008See D.C.Code § 2-1402.68, note 5, supra; Griggs, 401 U.S. 424 , 91 S.Ct. 849 , 28 L.Ed.2d 158 ; Gay Rights Coalition, 536 A.2d at 29 . [8] It is understood that the McDonnell Douglas test is a means to establish discrimination inferentially by circumstantial evidence.

2008See D.C.Code § 2-1402.68, note 5, supra; Griggs, 401 U.S. 424 , 91 S.Ct. 849 , 28 L.Ed.2d 158 ; Gay Rights Coalition, 536 A.2d at 29 . [8] It is understood that the McDonnell Douglas test is a means to establish discrimination inferentially by circumstantial evidence.

12008–2008
Griggs v. Duke Power Co. green
scotus · 1971
2 sentences

2008See D.C.Code § 2-1402.68, note 5, supra; Griggs, 401 U.S. 424 , 91 S.Ct. 849 , 28 L.Ed.2d 158 ; Gay Rights Coalition, 536 A.2d at 29 . [8] It is understood that the McDonnell Douglas test is a means to establish discrimination inferentially by circumstantial evidence.

2008See D.C.Code § 2-1402.68, note 5, supra; Griggs, 401 U.S. 424 , 91 S.Ct. 849 , 28 L.Ed.2d 158 ; Gay Rights Coalition, 536 A.2d at 29 . [8] It is understood that the McDonnell Douglas test is a means to establish discrimination inferentially by circumstantial evidence.

12008–2008
Dalmau v. Viçäo Aérea Rio-Grandense, S.A. green
flsd · 2004
2 sentences

2008Because the trial court ruled that the DCHRA did not support a claim of national origin discrimination based on linguistic characteristics, the parties did not develop a factual basis from which the jury could determine whether the English proficiency requirement was, as claimed by appellee, required to perform the duties of the position appellant held, as in Fragante, see also Dalmau v. Vicao Aerea Rio-Grandense, S.A., 337 F.Supp.2d 1299 (S.D.Fla.2004) (upholding Brazilian airline’s requirement that cargo sales representatives speak fluent Portuguese), or whether it was a pretextual requireme

2008Because the trial court ruled that the DCHRA did not support a claim of national origin discrimination based on linguistic characteristics, the parties did not develop a factual basis from which the jury could determine whether the English proficiency requirement was, as claimed by appellee, required to perform the duties of the position appellant held, as in Fragante, see also Dalmau v. Vicao Aerea Rio-Grandense, S.A., 337 F.Supp.2d 1299 (S.D.Fla.2004) (upholding Brazilian airline’s requirement that cargo sales representatives speak fluent Portuguese), or whether it was a pretextual requireme

12008–2008
Dafro M. JEFFERIES, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION ASSOCIATION Et Al., Defendants-Appellees green
ca5 · 1980
2 sentences

2007In Jefferies the Fifth Circuit held that black women are a “distinct protected subgroup” for purposes of the McDonnell Douglas test. 615 F.2d at 1034 .

2007In Jefferies the Fifth Circuit held that black women are a “distinct protected subgroup” for purposes of the McDonnell Douglas test. 615 F.2d at 1034 .

12007–2007
Atlantic Richfield Co. v. District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights green
dc · 1986
2 sentences

2005It has been held that "the McDonnell Douglas test 'is to be applied in cases where the circumstantial evidence is the only proof of discrimination.’ ” Id. at 574 (quoting Equal Employment Opportunity Comm’n v. Alton Packaging Corp., 901 F.2d 920, 923 (11th Cir.1990)). 11 .

2005It has been held that "the McDonnell Douglas test 'is to be applied in cases where the circumstantial evidence is the only proof of discrimination.’ ” Id. at 574 (quoting Equal Employment Opportunity Comm’n v. Alton Packaging Corp., 901 F.2d 920, 923 (11th Cir.1990)). 11 .

12005–2005
Barbara Franklin McKenna v. Caspar W. Weinberger, Secretary of Defense green
cadc · 1984
2 sentences

2001But under the McDonnell-Douglas standard, as applied to retaliation cases, the plaintiff is entitled to an opportunity, which she has not heretofore been afforded, to "prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the proffered reason was but a pretext for retaliation.” McKenna, supra, 234 U.S.App.D.C. at 304 , 729 F.2d at 790 .

2001But under the McDonnell-Douglas standard, as applied to retaliation cases, the plaintiff is entitled to an opportunity, which she has not heretofore been afforded, to "prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the proffered reason was but a pretext for retaliation.” McKenna, supra, 234 U.S.App.D.C. at 304 , 729 F.2d at 790 .

12001–2001
Texas Department of Community Affairs v. Burdine green
scotus · 1981
2 sentences

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

12000–2000
St. Mary's Honor Center v. Hicks green
scotus · 1993
2 sentences

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

12000–2000
United States Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens green
scotus · 1983
2 sentences

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

2000Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 507 , 113 S.Ct. 2742 , 125 L.Ed.2d 407 (1993) (quoting Burdine, 450 U.S. at 253 , 101 S.Ct. 1089 ) (emphasis in original); accord, e.g., Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, 491 U.S. 164, 187 , 109 S.Ct. 2363 , 105 L.Ed.2d 132 (1989); Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 716 , 103 S.Ct. 1478 , 75 L.Ed.2d 403 (1983).

12000–2000

Statutes the citing opinions construe

USC § 42u.s.c.2000e (5) USC § 42u.s.c.2000e-2 (4) DC § D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 173 (1992–2026) OH 102 (1985–2026) TX 100 (1993–2026) MI 83 (1997–2026) MN 78 (1985–2025) NJ 54 (1978–2026) TN 39 (1997–2020) WA 30 (1985–2025) IA 24 (1990–2026) VT 22 (1979–2026) PA 20 (1983–2026) KY 19 (2002–2025) NM 18 (1990–2025) IL 16 (1989–2026) MA 15 (1994–2025) WV 15 (1985–2025) NY 13 (2012–2026) DC 13 (2000–2025) HI 11 (1997–2025) MO 10 (1984–2024) MD 10 (2000–2025) DE 10 (1980–2026) ME 10 (2003–2023) RI 9 (2004–2017) GA 9 (2013–2023) CT 9 (1991–2024) FL 8 (2007–2024) MT 8 (1987–2007) ND 7 (1993–2015) MS 7 (1991–2017) NE 6 (1999–2017) IN 6 (1995–2009) LA 5 (2005–2022) NC 5 (2004–2019) AK 5 (1983–2019) SD 4 (2006–2018) KS 3 (1990–2024) NH 3 (2001–2024) ID 3 (1979–2018) VA 3 (1997–2011) UT 3 (2022–2025) CO 2 (2000–2001) WY 2 (2006–2009) VI 2 (2015–2015) AR 2 (2013–2014) WI 2 (1985–2016)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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