Abuse of Discretion – Summary Judgment and Sanctions

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Taysheedra D. Allen-Noll v. Madison Area Technical College, et al.,

Case No.: 19-2639

Officials: EASTERBROOK, BRENNAN, and ST.EVE, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Abuse of Discretion – Summary Judgment and Sanctions

When her teaching contract with Madison Area Technical College was not renewed, Taysheedra Allen-Noll sued her former employer alleging racial discrimination and harassment. After discovery the college moved for summary judgment, but Allen-Noll failed to follow the district court’s procedures. The record was largely established by the defendants’ submissions, and the college prevailed.

Allen-Noll appeals, challenging the grant of summary judgment and arguing the district court abused its discretion by accepting the college’s findings of fact and denying her motion to compel further discovery. We affirm the district court’s rulings. This appeal is also frivolous, so we grant the college’s request to sanction Allen-Noll and her lawyer.

Affirmed in part. Granted in part.

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Derek A Hawkins is trademark corporate counsel for Harley-Davidson. Hawkins oversees the prosecution and maintenance of the Harley-Davidson’s international trademark portfolio in emerging markets.