Robinson v. Calcasieu Parish School Board et al

Filing 80

MEMORANDUM ORDER denying 50 Motion in Limine. Signed by Judge James D Cain, Jr on 7/18/2022. (crt,Crick, S)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
LAKE CHARLES DIVISION
DINAH ROBINSON

CASE NO. 2:17-CV-01568

VERSUS

JUDGE JAMES D. CAIN, JR.

SCHOOL BOARD OF CALCASIEU
PARISH ET AL

MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAY

MEMORANDUM ORDER
Before the Court is a “Motion to Allow the Golden Rule to be Argued Regarding
Liability” [Doc. 50] wherein Plaintiff Dr. Dinah Robinson moves to allow the Golden Rule
to be argues regarding liability at trial.
INTRODUCTION
Plaintiff, Dr. Dinah Robinson, is a 60-year-old, African American female
professional teacher, and administrator. Dr. Robinson’s educational background includes
a PhD from University of New Orleans educational administration, a Masters plus 30
Graduate hours certificate from McNeese University, and a Masters in Education
Technology degree from McNeese University. Doc. 48-7.
On or about October 16, 2015, the position of Assistant Superintendent of Calcasieu
Parish School Board became available, and interviews were conducted. Doc. 48-11
Calcasieu Parish School System Announcing Vacant Position. The posted position of
Assistant Superintendent (Chief Operating Officer) Personnel/Auxiliary Services of
Calcasieu Parish School Board required the following qualifications:
-1-

Position Qualifications: Applicant must have as a minimum the Educational
Leader Level 2 Certificate or Bulletin 746 equivalent. A minimum of five
years successful educational administrative experience required. Must have
excellent communication skills including both written and oral presentation
abilities. Applicant must also have the ability to interact with the public and
employees in a positive and professional manner. Knowledge of school
personnel and support systems as well as operations of the Calcasieu Parish
School Board a plus.
Dr. Robinson applied for this position and was not selected. Shannon LaFarge, a fifty-yearold Caucasian male, was selected and offered the Assistant Superintendent position.
On or about February 9, 2018, Dr. Robinson applied for a position in Calcasieu
Parish School Board Office titled “R3 Zone Director of Curriculum and Instruction.” Doc.
48-1. Dr. Robinson was also denied this position and given low scores by those who
interviewed her, including Dr. Jill Portie, the Administrative Director of Elementary
Schools. Id; Doc. 48-28.
Dr. Robinson received a Right to Sue letter from the U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) based on retaliation. Doc. 48-18. In her complaint of
discrimination, Dr. Robinson states that she was subjected to unannounced visits and
evaluations by her supervisor, was harassed, and received “harsh remarks and substandard
ratings.” Id.
In May 2018, Dr. Robinson submitted a letter of resignation and desire to retire. Dr.
Robinson later attempted to rescind her resignation/retirement and the School Board did
not allow her to withdraw her resignation/retirement as it had already been accepted when
the School Board first heard of her efforts.

-2-

Dr. Robinson filed suit alleging discrimination in the workplace and retaliation
stemming from adverse employment action taken against Dr. Robinson after her filing
charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
LAW AND ANALYSIS
The Fifth Circuit “has forbidden plaintiff's counsel to explicitly request a jury to
place themselves in the plaintiff's position and do unto him as they would have him do unto
them.” Whitehead v. Food Max of Mississippi, Inc., 163 F.3d 265, 278 (5th Cir. 1998)
(quoting Stokes v. Delcambre, 710 F.2d 1120, 1128 (5th Cir. 1983)). Such arguments are
improper because they invite a decision based on personal bias rather than on the evidence.
Id. As such, this Court will not permit arguments using the Golden Rule.
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that Dr. Robinson’s “Motion to Allow the Golden Rule to be
Argued Regarding Liability” [Doc. 50] is hereby DENIED.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED in Chambers this 18th day of July, 2022.

__________________________________________
JAMES D. CAIN, JR.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

-3-