Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Mota v. University of Texas Houston Health Science Center

If the plaintiff presents evidence supporting the prima facie case, plus evidence that the reasons given by the employer for the adverse employment action were pretextual, a jury may infer the existence of retaliation.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas

This case presents claims under Title VII of retaliation and sexual harassment by a member of the same sex. A professor at the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center filed suit, alleging that he was harassed by his supervisor. He also claimed that the University retaliated against him for lodging complaints with the University and the EEOC. Following a jury trial, the district court entered judgment for the plaintiff on these claims, awarding compensatory damages, back pay, front pay, attorney’s fees, and costs.

The University challenges the court’s denial of its motion for judgment as a matter of law, asserting error on an array of legal and factual grounds. The University argues that the jury’s retaliation verdict was not supported by an adverse employment action and lacked an adequate basis in fact; that the alleged acts of harassment were not sufficiently severe or pervasive; that the jury erred in finding that the University had not established its affirmative defenses to the harassment claim; and that the court’s award of front pay, attorney’s fees, and costs was an abuse of discretion. We affirm the court’s judgment in virtually all respects, vacating only a portion of its award of costs.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
The American Lawyer Industry Awards 2024
November 13, 2024
New York, NY

Honoring outstanding legal achievements focused at the national level, largely around Big Law and in-house departments.


Learn More
Women Leaders in Consulting (WLC) 2024
November 14, 2024
New York, NY

Women Leaders in Consulting Awards honors the industry standouts and rising stars who are making a mark within the profession.


Learn More
General Counsel Conference East 2024
November 18, 2024 - November 19, 2024
New York, NY

Join General Counsel and Senior Legal Leaders at the Premier Forum Designed For and by General Counsel from Fortune 1000 Companies


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Assistant Town Attorney

General Statement of DutiesPerforms legal work involving full litigation of all types of matters both for and against the Town, including al...


Apply Now ›
FINANCE & REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY - Connecticut Preferred; Remote will be considered

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is seeking a attorney to expand our national commercial real estate lending practice. Candidates should have a mi...


Apply Now ›
Health Law Associate CT

Health Law Associate CT Shipman is seeking an associate to join our national longstanding health law practice. Candidates must have t...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs