Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 1 Filed 05/24/2006 Page 1 of 5

UNITED STATES DISTRICT emlRT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

lm MA'( 2L] A Cj; 12

EQUAl. RMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION,

Z"3 (mL</ tJ6- 7/ CiyH Action No.

Plaintiff,

y.

COMPLAINT

BED BATH & BEYOND, INC., Defendant.
----------------------------------------------x

.JURY TRIAL DEMAND

NATURR OF THE ACTION
This is an action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title r of the Civil
Rights Act of 1991 to correct unlawful employment practices on the basis of sex, and to provide appropriate relie[(o Melody Lavomia, who was adversely affected by such practices. As alleged with greater specificity below in paragraph seven (7), Plaintiff, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleges that Defendant, Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. engaged in sex discrimination by taking adverse employment actions against Ms. Lavomia because of her pregnancy.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. Jurisdiction of'this Court is invoked pursuant to 28 U.S.c. §§ 451,1331,1337, 1343 and 1345. This action is autllorized and instituted pursuant to Sections 706(£)(1) and (3) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as anlcndcd, 42 U.S.c. §§ 2000e-5(f)(I) and (3) ("Title Vll") and Section 102 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991,42 U.S.C. §1981 a.
2. The alleged unlaw/hI employment practices were committed within tlle jurisdiction of the United Slates Di~trict Court for the District of New Jersey.

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 1 Filed 05/24/2006 Page 2 of 5
PARTIES 3. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (hereinafter "the Commission") is the agency of the United States of America charged with the administration, interpretation and enforcement of Title VII, and is expressly authorized to bring this action by Sections 706(£)(1) and (3) ofTitlc VlI, 42 U.s.C. §§ 2000c-5(1)(I) and (3). 4. At all relevant times, Bcd Bath & Beyond, Inc. (hereinaller "Defendant") has continuously heen a company doing business in the State of New Jersey and the city of Bridgewater, and has continuously had at least fifteen (15) employees. 5. At all relevant times, Defendant has continuously been an employer engaged in an industry aITecting commerce within the meaning of Sections 701 (b), (g) and (h) of Title VlI, 42
U.S.C. §§ 2000e(b), (g) and (h).
STATEME1Yf OF CLAIMS 6. More than thirty days prior to the institution of this lawsuit, Melody Lavornia filed a charge with the Commission alleging violations of Title VII by Defendant. All conditions precedent to the institution of this lawsuit have been fhlfilled. 7. Since at least May 2005, Defendant has engaged in the following unlawful employment practices in violation of Section 703 of Title Vll, 42 U.S.c. § 2000e-2:
a. denying M~_ Lavornia modified work assignments which aTe atTorded to non-pregnant employees with temporary disabilities; and
b. placing Ms. Lavornia on an illvo.1untary leave of absence for the duration of her pregnancy.
2

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 1 Filed 05/24/2006 Page 3 of 5
8. The effect of the practices complained of above bas been to deprive Melody Lavornia of equal employment opportunities and otherwise adversely affect her status as an employee bccause of her sex.
9. The unlawful employment practices complaincd of above were and are intentionai.
JO. The unlawful cmployment practices complained of above were and are done with
malice or with reckless indi ffercncc to the federally protected rights of Melody Lavornia.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Wherefore, the Commission respectfully requests that this Court: A. Grant a pennanent injunction cnjoining Defendant, its officers, successors, assigns, and all persons in active concert or participation with them, from engaging in employment practices which discriminate on the basis of sex. B. Order Defendant to institute and carry out policies, practices, and progranls which provide equal employment opportunities tor women and which eradicate the effects of Defendant's past and present unlawful cmployment practices. C. Order Defendant to make whole Melody Lavomia by providing appropriate backpay with prejudgment interest, in amounts to be determined at trial, and other affinnative relief necessary to eradicate the ei1ccts of its unlawful employment practices, including, but not limited to, front pay and reinstatement. D. Order Defendant to make whole Melody Lavomia by providing compensation for past and future pecuniary losses resulting from the unlawful employment practices described above, in amounts to be dctermined at trial.
3

_ - _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ ..

.. _.

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 1 Filed 05/24/2006 Page 4 of 5

E. Order Defendant to make whole Melody Lavornia by providing compensation for past and lhture non-pecuniary losses resulting ii-om the unlawful practices complained of above, including pain, suffering and 11llmiliation, in amounts to be determined at triaL
F. Order Defendanllo pay Melody Lavomia punitive damages for Defendant's malicious and reckless conduct described above, in amounts to be determined at trial.
G. Grant such lhrthcr relief as the Court deems necessary and proper in the public interest.
H. Award the Commission its costs of this action.

4

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 1 Filed 05/24/2006 Page 5 of 5
JURY TRIAL DEMAND The Commission requests a jury trial on all questions of fact raised by its Complaint.
Respectfully submitted, James L. Lee Deputy General Counsel Gwendolyn Y. Reams Associate General Counsel
~~b~~"~~
Elizabeth Grossman Regional Attorney
Lisa D. Sirkin Supervisory Trial Attorney
Adela Santos TriaJ Attorney New York District Office 33 Whitehall Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10004-2112 (212) 336·3695 (212) 336-3623 (facsimile) adela.santos@eeoc.gov
5

 
 Case 3:C0a6s-ec3v:-006-2c3v-70213-7J1A·JPA-PT·TJJBB DDocoucmuemnte1n5·t216 FiledF0i8le/1d7/20080/720/P2a0g0e71 of 1P6age 1 of 16

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

EQUAL EMPLOYMEN'f OI'PORTUlTY COMMISSION,

CIvil Action No. 06-1J71(JAP)

PlAintiff,
".
BED BATH & BEYOND, INC.,

---------- D.f.ndan~-------------x

CONSENT DECBEE

'Ibis cauSe of action W3Jl initiated on May 24, 2006 by the United Stall>!! Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging Ihat Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

(captioned as Bcd Balli & Beyond. )nc.)("Defendant") engaged in unlawful cmploymOllt

practicos on the buis of sex in violation ofth. Civil Rights Act ofl964, as amended, 42 U.S.C.

2000e, et seq. ("Title VIr'). In it. compl.int, EEOC aUeged thal Defendant discriminated

against Chargin~ Party Melody Lavorrua ("Charging Party") by refusing to grant her modified

work assignment, during he! pr<grumcy as it did for temporarily disabled employees, and by

forcing Charging Party to take an invDlul1\aJ)' leave of obsone. during her presnancy.

This Decree shall not be eonstrued as an admisaion by Defendant of any violAtion ofTitlc

VII or of any other laws, statutes, orregulations, which Defendant denies, EEOC and D,rendanl

("the PlIl1ies") have agreed to this Consont Dee",. to t\llly and finally resolve and BctUe 1111

claims that were ,aised in Civil Action No. 06--237I(JAP), nOW pending in Ihe United States

_ _-_ _ .....-".,...". "" .. ..... .......- - .

Case 3:0C6a-scev3-0:026-3cv7..1Q-2J3A71P-J-ATPJ-TBJB DDooccuummenetn1t0-126 FileFdil0e8d11701820/2070/2P0a0g7e 2 ofP1a6ge 2 of 16
District Court ufNew 1000scy ("Ihe Civil Action',) and in EEOC Charge No 171.2005-01125 (tbe ''C-harge'') and to cnd litigation in this matter.
This D.~r<e resolves all !nottors ,elatod to the Civil Aotion, and the Partie, agree that this Decree may b~ entered into wimout F'indings of Fact end Conclusions ofLaw being made and entered by the COurt. No waiver, modifie.ticl' or runoodment of any provision offhis Consent Doeree shall be effoctive unloss made in writing, approved by all Plltties to this Cousent DlICl"ee, II1ld approved or ordeted by th_ Court.
In consideration oethe promises, 8greemontQ Md consider.tion contained henin, the sufficiency wbich is hereby acknowledged, it is .greed and IT IS ORDERED, ADJODGED, AND DBCREED AS FOtLOWS:
1. This Oe<;ree ,esolv•••nof the i."".s rai,ed by Ihe Charge and the Civil Action. This Doc,e. in no way .noct5 EEOC'. right to proce.. ru'y f\l\lIfe charge. th.t may be tiled
against nefendant, including a charge filed by • member of the Commisaion, and to comlnencc ci vii actiOf\~ on any such charg••. 2. The Parl!1\lI agree that tlus Court has juriadiction ovor the subject matter of thb action and ofthe I'arties, for tit. duration ofthi' Occr~", that VlIOue it proper, and that all adminlstrativo prerequi.ites h.ve been mel. 3. No Party .hall contost the jurisdiclion oflbi. Court to enforce mia Decree and itq teons or the right ohny Party 10 bring an entbroement suit upon breach of any afme terms of thi, Oe.roo by any other Party, Breaohohny term ofthll Deeree should be deemed to he a substantivo hrwch ofmis Docree. Nothing in thi' De...-ee shall be COfi$tn\ed to prcclude EEOC from bringing proceedings to euforce Ihis Decroo in the evont ~lat Defend.nt rails to pcrlbrm any of the promis•• 4I\d repreliontaion. contained hon:.in.
2

Case 3:0C6as-ce v3-:0062-c3v7-012-3J7A1·PJA-PT-JTBJB DDooccumumente1n5t-216 FliedF0il8e/d17/02800/270/2P0ag0e73 of P16age 3 of 16
4. Defend",,! is enjoined from di,criminsting again$1 any pregnant individual bocau," of that verBon', ,eK or ~r"'gn.ncy by tililing 10 =rtunodat. tempol'l\l)' disabilities of presnillll employee, ill th••1Ul1O mllnner •• temporary di,abilitic. of .imilarly siltlaled non-ptegllAnt employees,
5. Defendant .hall not ret.li.1e agahm any individuAl beeaus. such illdividual usertod his or her righw under Title VII, engaged in prolected ao;tivily or participated in the investisation of iIli. matter hI any way,
6. Within len (10) bu,i"... days aftill' the entry ofthi. Doeroo and receipt oh fullyexecuted Release from Charging rarty and the l"'Iui,od tax form., Defendant ,hall pay the 10101 ,YIn 0[$49,000 to Chlll'&ing Party, which .b.1I include $19,000 for back p~y awl $30,000 for C<>1l'1"en$~tory damages, less all toquired deductions and withboldings, Defendant sh.1l isstlo 10 Charging Party an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Fonn W2 for the back pay amount, Bnd an IRS Form 1099 for the CCIllpensatory damages amount, The .hecla will be mailed to Charging Party at her re,idenco by cerlifiod mail, ,otum flOceipl rcquelilod. Bed Both & Beyond will m.i1 a pbotowpy of the checks to EEOC', counsel, Adela SBnIO', Trial AIWmey, EEOC New York District Oflioo, 33 Whiteh.n Streot, S"' Floor, New York, NY, I0004.Z!l2, within len (10) day. of the dale Qfmailing oft:he check$ to lbe Charging Party.
7. Defendanl shan .ssure Blloe, within ten (t 0) daysafler the date of <lIl\ry oflhi. De".,." that EEOC's po~ter shall be maintained and remain posted in conspicuous place. where employee notices arQ normally postod and visually accessible to <!mployecs in Defendant's stores in the Region irt which Charging Party worked, Applicants for employment in Defendant's sturo. in Ihe Rogion in which Charging PiIt1y worked ,haIl
3

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 4 of 16
Case 3:06·cv·02371·JAP·TJB Document 15·2 Filed 08/17/2007 Page 4 of 16
hUpprised ol'the content oflhe BEOC', po~or eitlrer by (I) the EEOC poster'. maintenance and posting in consp;OUOUlJ places visually Boce"iblc to ,<lOb applicllIIts, or (2) provision of the <outent ofthe J;EOC's poster to such applicants a.~ fill 81t,,:Iunent to their employment Ilpplieation materiBIR. 8. Withi" il1\_ (I S) days aftenhe entry of Ihis Decree, Defendant shall po~t lUld maintain the remedi.l nolie., allaehed as Exlribit A, in oon.picuous places where employoe notices lire uonnally posted and Visually ,c",".sible to emploY\leS in Defendant', Slorea in the Region In which Charging Purty worked. A list ofthe stores in the Region is attached us Exhibit C. 9. Defendant will provide a minimum ofthl"" (3) hO\lnl oftntilling, whiQh may itlelud~ interllCliv. training, in fedemllaws prohibiting discrimination in employment, including
Ofl the basis. uf sex, including prcgnan~y and granting a~commodati{)ns to pregnant
employee, temporarily disabled. This training will be )lfovided to (A) the Regional Manager, Human Resourocs ManagerR, and Human ResoW'celI employei" in the Region in which Charging PiII1y worked, and (B) the Di$t.rict Manage, and Store Managers ill lb. District In which Charging Party worked. The training will be conducted (Al within sixty (60) days after tile EEOC'. approval of the training materials and vendor to b. u~ed, and (B) once eReh calondar ye.r the",after for the duradon ofthis Decree. Defendant agrees to provide EEOC with copies of all asendas for the training de,crlbod in thi.paragraph. 10. Wilhin .ixt~ (60) days oflon employee'. hire or tran~fer as set forth in the second sontenc. ofthi. paragraph, Defendant will )lfovide approximatoly one (I) hour oftmining in federallBw~ prolribitinl! dilcrlrnJnation in employment. Thb training will be provided to e~ch Cllllployee hired or tmnsferr~d into the following flOsltions, but only ifthat
4

Case 3:06C-acsve -30:0263-c7v1-0-2J3A71P-J-ATPJ·BTJB DDooccuummeentn1t51-26 FliFedile08d/107/820/2070/20P0ag7e 5 oPf 1a6ge 5 of 16
employee WIIS not providl'd mining pursulIIlt to PIII'~gtaph 9 of this Conslml rncree within the one (\) year immediately preceding nuch hire Of transter: (A) the Regional Man'ger, Human Resources Managers, and Human Resources employee. in (he Rosien in which Charging Party worked, and (8) 'h~ District Manager and StOt" Managers in the District in which Chl\fglng Pi\fty worked. The tr.ining will be conducted UlIing web· based program(s) prepared by WeCo!nply, Inc, Defendant agrees 10 provide EEOC with copies of all agenda, for the training described in thi.pM.graph, F.mployces prvvided training pursuant \0 this paragraph willsubscquenUy be provided ennu.llr.ining lilt oct forth in Par.gt.ph 9 of this Ci'lllscnl DccTce, 11. Within twenty (20) days oOho oompl~ion of oach lroinlng ptogrl\fn des<;rib.d above ill paragr.phs 9 and 10 of this Ci'ln,cnl Decree, DefertdMt will forward 10 EI!OC l copy of """h .ttend""ee sheet for each program .f,owing the employees wh~ Illtendcd I\I1d for what time period', 12" Defendant will colltiou. to maintain llJ'ti·discriminaUun policies, including anti· retalill\ion provisions IIlld complaint prooedutc1i which IIA compliant willi 'J'itlo VIl, in the revised format atlached hereto as exhibit B, which has been t'.viewed by EEOC, 13, Defendant ~gre.s 10 provide a copy of Exhibil B (iiit has not already provided OIlC) 10 eaoh employe. within the Region in which Chat~irlg Party worked, within thirty (30) days of the entry oflhi. 0=0 or, ifhired all", that date, within thirty (30) days ofhi. or her date of hire, 14, Defetld.I1t ,woeS that BEOC may monitor DefendBnl's comp1ilUl~ with this COIISe\I! D~cree wit.hin the Region in which Charging Party wolked, for Ihe d\lr.llon ofthi~ Decree. hy inspection ofDefendant'~ promiscs and records, as well al by interviewing
s
--------".. ~-.

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 6 of 16
Case 3:06·cv·02371·JAP·TJB Document 15·2 Flied 06/17/2007 Page 6 of 16
whness~' and employccs. Upon re..~onable advance notice by the Commi"ion, Defendll1ll sholl make employee••vailable fur interviews, and shall make any r(:<:Ord. avRiI.ble, for inspection andIor oopying, which reasollably relate to monitoring <Xlmpli.ncc within the RegiM ill wh.icb Charging Party worked. 15. Each party shall bear jliO own attorney r""s and eo!!!. incI,m,,1 in jhls .etion. 16. Thi. Pecree con;rtitut.s tile oomplete ~ndentnnding between the Partilll' hereto. NQ other promise, 0; agreements 'hall be binding unleas 'G1"'ed to in writing and sisned by the Partie~. No waiver, modification or amend,nCllt Ot any provbion ofthe Con.'!Cllt De<:ree shall be e!\belive unlOllS mad. i,l writing, apprvved by alll'arti.. to lhis Decree and III'proved by tho Court or ord.red by the Court. j 7. TIl;, Decree will remain in .ffect for a pcriOll ofthrcc (3) yean fr<)ltl the dale of .,\tty by
~l. COllrl.
6
- - ------"....

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 7 of 16
Case 3:06-cv-02371·JAP-TJB Document 15-2 Filed 08/17/2007 Page 7 of 16

Dated: New York, Now Yor'
Ov.>!('f.--\-- \ ~ ,2007

Dated: Newark, New Jersey
\l.uop"'l- 1'0 ,2007

EQUAL EMPLOyt>"fr;NT OPPORTUNrrY COMMISSION
t / l~\.A~-
illtZabGi1;ssman
Regional Anomey
tisa Sirkin Supervisory Trial Attomey
Adola Salllos Senior Tri.1 Artol'ilcy New York Di.nict Offi"" 33 Wbitehull SlrO<oI, 5"' Flool' New York, 'NY 10004.2112 (212) 33(';.3695 (212) 336·3623 (PAX)

BED BATH /I< BEYOND
MafVin M. Ouldstein Pro,kauet' Ro.c LLP One Newark Center, 1Sib Ploor Newllrk, NJ 01102 Attorney for DefOlldant

~a:r_daYOf~' 2007:

7

Case 3:0C6a-scev3-:0062-3cv7-012-3J7A1P·JA-TPJ·TBJB DDooccuummenet n15t·216 FileFd i0le81d1701280/0270/2P0a0ge7 8 ofP16age 8 of 16
EXHIBIT A

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 9 of 16
Case 3:06·cv·02371-JAP·TJB Document 15·2 Filed 08/17/2007 Page 9 of 16
I'!QIICIl TO BMPLOYEflS OF DED BATIi 81 BEYOND INC.
I. Thi$ NaflCfi to employ_ ofBED BATH & BEYOND INC. i. being poated and provided as part ofo Consent Decree b~tween BED BATH & BEYOND lind the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commis~iQn ("EEOC',).
2. Fedmllaw and thJ~ C<,'lnsent Decree requin: thai thore be no disorimination against any employeo or appliclIlt for =nploymenl b<l<:ause of iOX, includill¥ pregmU1~y. They also require that thtore be no retaliation against any employee or applicant who mad. II complaint of discrimination booaoso of .ox, rdee, national origin, color or religion with respect to hiring, comp_alion, promotion, di..:hatge, or other lenn" conditions or pnvitell<'> of CIllployrr..:nt, or who othmwi•• oppo,od such di'crimination.
3. BED BATIi 81 BEYOND will comply with Federa! law in Illi aspect., and iI will not take any 001100 aflllinst employe.. because they have acted on those rights under tho law by filing charges with the IlF.<>C Or by otherwise complaining of or opposing ornployment practices made ""lawful under Title VII ofthe Civil Righl$ Act of 1964, as amended.
4. The EEOC maintains office. throughout the United States, including in Ncwuk, Now Jersey, and New York, NY. Its Now Jersey Are. Office is loc.too at:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission New Jersey Atea Office 1 Newark Center, 21st Floor Newark, NJ 07102-5233 Telephone: (97) 645·6383 Toll Free: (800) 669.4000 TTY: (973) 645·3004
FAX: (973) 645·4524
5. Thi~ NOTICE wilt remain po,ted until _ _ _ _ _ _, , - - ' 2010.
Signcd this _ _ day of_. _ _ _ _ _ _--', 2007.
By: BED BATI! 81 I:IEYOND
NAME

Case 3:0C6as-ecv3-:0062-c3v7.012-3J7A1·PJA-Tp·JTBJB DDooccumumenet 1n5t·216 FiledF0il8e1d1701280/0270/2P0a0ge710 oPf 1a6ge 10 of 16
EXHIBIT B

Case 3:0C6~-$cev3-:0026·3cv7·012-3J7A1.P.J-ATPJ-TBJ6 DDooccuummenet n15t ·12 6 FileFdi0le8/d1701280/0270/2P0a0g7e 11 oPf a16ge 11 of 16
OUR DOOR lS ALWAYS OPEN
Bt.:! Bath & Beyond respects every uoocint. aa an individual and makes overy effort to '\lC thai each associate Is content in billiher work relationships. All work related problems should be discussed with your direct supervisor or StO!\! MlUIlIget. Althougb initial discu.,jOJl$ should be held with your direct supCfVisor, iftho situation cannot be resolved at this level, or circumstances require otherwi,e, you should (ecl fr"" to speak to the next ill the chain ofcommand, • Human Resources reprascntBtivel or even to a Vice Pmidmtt of to thtJ 'President of our company, if
nOCe9sary.
Your opinion. lind point ofviow mallet. Any suggestions or now idel!.!l are always welcome. Some of ow b..t .nd mo,t ouooessful categories Illtd programs have come from the nlind.q and experience or associate, like you. If you have an Idea. share itl
BED BATH &< BEYOND'S COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERS1TY
First end foremo.t, ned Bath & Beyond'. goal has alwilYS been customer satisfaction. II ia a commitmMt \Ve lpeke to our CU$tomers.: to treat them with fairness and rc!:tpect, to provide maximum assistanoe from o.,"ociate. who under.!lI.nd tho product. and to present merch...di.e that customers are looking for in an ""citing and friendly environment.
w. col.brate diversity and believe that ~tlT diverge workforce contribute. to the strong bond our
II/;~ociates hove with Our cUStohlctS. We also believe that our commitment to diversity and the Qut'tanding opportunities for professional and perlQll~1 growth we afm-to aU associ.~, regardl.~s ofbaekground, contribute to the eX!rilOrditlAly high associate retontlnn mte that we have lung el'\ioyed.
Empluyment at Bed Bath & Beyond is based solely on job·",lated qualifieati""", we recruit, hire, train, promote and cotnpensate our ....oci.t•• Bnd provide all other conditions of employment induding company sponsored events. withQut regard to race, color, creed, rt.':ligion. national origin, age, sex, marital ~llItus, lawful alion Slam., sexual orientation, physl¢Bl or tnental disability, citizen,hip status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Employment IWtions oro based upon our operating needs and individual associate or applicant merit, indudillJl but not limited to: qualifloatians, exporlence, ability. availability, cooperation Il!Id job perfol1llance.
Bed Balb &. Beyond i. also committed \0 moll'\\a,ulng a wOikilll! wvinmmen\ oomplo:l.ely 1],,0 from harassment. unlawful di!ICriminallon, or inlinlidation ofany kind. Bed Bath 8< Beyond has polioies and proCedurC8 in place to prllVent such conduct and crusbl. "".ociat., to report such cond~ct "" Ibat It call be promptly and Cairly addressed. Appropriate di.ciplinary action will be
taken agp.irun nny aSSQ~i~te who harasses or uJilawfully dUi.criminates in viota.tion ofthhi policy.
TIle Vice President of Hum"'l Rcso"""-'i, with the fuJI ,upport of the PrClSldw, I. rosponsible for ensuring that all practices relating to employment ID&U<m are in keeping with the Company's phllo.ophy on diversity and equal opportunity.

- - - - - - , . - - _......

- - - - _.._.•.

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 12 of 16
Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJ8 Document 15·2 Filed 0811712007 Page 12 of 16
Tod~y, our tho\lllands of lIIj,ociat" throuShout tho country truly reflect ~ diverse community of individual, who h.v~joined togother in one common goal: to satisfy our customer. W. tem~jll committed to maintaining ~ diverse workforoo that will help us continue our remarkable Slleee,. well into the future, because when our M~oci'«:$ talw an ~ctve role in milking their work location a better place to work and for our custom"", 10 ahop. everyone benefits.
Any quel!lloUll regarding thi., or any other emplol'lllent related policy !!totemen!, can be direet.~ to any HUIJlan Resource, representative.
MUTUAL RESPECT!ANTI-HARASSMENT
One way all our IIIlso<:i.tes can take an active role in making their work location a better place to work is 10 =cet thoir fellow .'SO¢lat... Thi. is very important. Bed Bath &. Beyond has zero toleranct for any fonn of hua911tnent or unlawful di$l:rirnination. Most Mthe policiea relilting 10 workplace iSSll" revolvo aIOlliId Ilris idea ot'muNal respect, Sometimes Qld advice h still the best advice: tr""t olh"", the way you would want them to troot you.
A. ALL FORMS m' HARASSMENT AND UNLAWFUL OISCiUMINATlON
PROHIBITED
Bed Dath &. Beyond strictly pNhibits any form ofh.rassIDent or \IIllawful di,l:rimirultion, All M$ociates (wh\!lher management or non.m_gement), vendors, customers or applioant. for employment Qtc ."peeted to avoid any behavior Of COndlWt toward any othot llO-.ssocialo, customer, vendor or applicant for mlplOl'lllent that .:ould be irlterpreted as harassment or Ul1\awful dis.timin"lion.
H!II1losment include., but is not limited 10, acts ofhoslility, threJIU, intimidation Md ..saults to
any fellow aJ!sociole .t Or away {rom the wori<place, or to any v(ll1dor, I;lIJstomor or applicant for emplol'lllent, and can be physical, emotional ot v.mlli,
HarMsmcnt luay also include tIlllking inappropriate jokos, comments, epithets OT slurs, or display or oirculation in tho workplace ofwrill4n graphic material. Qr ~ni"Bing in other inappropriate behavior loward a pll1llon, because ot'race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, se.:, ",arital atatus, lawful alien .1.!wI, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship st.tus, wterllJ1 status or any other staNS or characteristic pwtected by applicable law.
My os_tote who ("",111. tho! he ot: ,he hal!. hc:oo. ~II:t\m(lfhlll'\lJl>ml<m\ or ulllawtill diserlmination or observes such conduct in the work place, should contact hiR or her Human Reoources representative or the manager of the facility hi which the ..,oci.le t. employed. If the .ssociilte belitIVe!I that the roregoing persons are involved in the conducl or discrimination, the .,sociate may also contact Corporale H"mm Rosovrcos located al 650 Lib,,"y Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, phone number: (908) 688·0888 or The Network.t 1·800·241·5689.
Bod !:lath & Beyund is committed to maintaining a work place environment free from nil typos of l=assment or unlawful discriminatory conduct. TI"".foro. tho prompt t<portinll of ally such
_--_. , .._.•.

Case 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Document 16 Filed 08/20/2007 Page 13 of 16
Case 3:06-cv·02371-JAp·TJB Document 15·2 Filed 08/17/2007 Page 13 of 16
conduct iR essential for Bed B(I.Ib & 13e)'Ond to eliminate such discrimination in the work place.
All complaints will be thoroughly invelltigated. The investigation may include individual interviews with the partie. involved and, where n~, with individuals who may have observed the aUeg<:d conduct or may have other re\cvIUlllmowledge. Ifth" CQmplaint is found to have merit, appropriate eonective action will be impjel1lented. If the investigation linds that 00 violation has occUlTlid. .11 the material parties will be 110 notified. There will be no retaliatiQn ag_inst any Msoei.1e who 1\108 a complaint or participates in it, invoStigation.
The Company will attempt to keop all complaints CQIlfidential. However, thl. may not be possible in .11 instances. Nevertheless, the Company will make Its best efforts to keep complaint, as confidential as pOssible.
If any .>wei.to beHeves that IUs (>r her =plaint hlll1 not beel! satisfactorily resolved hy the Company, the ...ociate may lile a complaint with the Bqual Emplo)'TlOllt Opportunity Commission, the Division of Fair Empleymllf\t and Housing (DPEH), or the Pair Employment nod Hou.ing Commission (PERC), or ony other equivai.nt St.l~ ot Federal agency.
Bed Bath 8< B~ynnd has a .oro tolerance for harassment or unlawful discrimination. Bed a.th & Beyend con,idem such conduct to be a serious offen••. Depending on the natl.n'e and scV<lIity c.>f the conduct, the offender may also be subject to civil and criminal penaltil'JS aside from the COmpany's disciplinary aclivn which could honp \0 and including termination of employmont. Th<I1Jfore, lISSociate. who are roond 10 have engaged in harassment Of unlawful discrimination and managm who either do not roport a complaint ofharas5lDOIlt or unlawful discrimination mad. to him or her of who observe what he or she believes to be harassment or unlawful diserimination ugain.t another asSOCiate and do not roport ouch oonduct to an appropriate individual will b. subjoot to di.ciplinary action, up 10 and including I.ttnin~tio" ofemploymont,

Case 3:C0a6s-ec3vQ-60-2cv3-70213-7J1A-JPA-PT.TJJBB DDoocucmuemnte1n5-t216 FiledF08i1le1d712008Q/720/2Pa0g0e71401P1a6 ge 14 of 16
EXHIBIT C

Case 3:06C-acsev-30:0263-c7v1·0-2J3A71P·J-ATPJ·BTJB DDooccuummeentn1t51-26 FilFedile08d/107/82/02007 /20P0ag7e 15Pofa1g6e 15 of 16

, ~
7 42 115 150 1eo 224
m
258 2116
269
30.
316 JIll
3&9 423 477
!'i~ /iJ\~
616 627
~50
ISli
642

NYC Raalon Sto.. Lncallons

SlMftN.m.
~rl"lln.ld
I,owrenoevl". NIlWVO/i<
ed."w"w
EB8t HElI10V8f Woodbl1dg.
8M. . BridgtwellIr
Elil<Ibolh E$t(lntown Middlo1Own .-'Nl!lchuno North Srun1lWlcl<
61" 5",,0'
Mal'S Londlng MIOlivo Route 46
M.n."'~on Lincoln Souo,.
NO\\OIOn J8m.y C~y
Port Jersey P."'i....nV
HoWl'JI

• ~~~~. ~~rr;:;';:l

lUl-" "'o""r MOil. U'l V'" ~,g"w.y 1
Lawrenaovll\. NJ 08648
lOOn 620 6."" Avenu.
New YoM<. NY

l;;(lfIewater common.. 4~~'<I"tr 1«1,

fda.weter NJ 07020
ISU ROut. '_~. wost
E••t H.novoc1 r.Il 07936 • "anson ""oe

Iselin NJ 08830

~1 \;h.m~ersorl~~'RJI.a

Brick Nl 08723

l~. _romol1eceeoulevaro

arl<!gewate.[, NJ 08807

Jersey <;i~~enHlall. e.~l_K'~KOW$kl KOla

Ellut.th Nl 07201

E.ton~":U~ 4~7724

. .s. ~~":? I<OU,•

NOrtn

Mlddlelown Nl 07746

l,nu.",. nl~nw.v £~."u"e. wat<:huna. N) 07069

..• ~' ROute 1 ""utn North Brunswick NJ 08902

~;~ y~~~ 6~~t ~:;~

190 H~mll«>n commons
MoV_ Landing, til OQ;l30
30 InterMtiona, unlle. "u"o •
Flanders Nl 07836
T.:o-;,:~IA!O;~1Z

"9 U5.~OUI' ,Nine ".uln
MlnaloOBn r.Il 07726
l~J~ "rOlJQWIV Now York NY 10023
M.<";~~O~;" ;~;tiO

4UU LUIS ~unOZI""!'n_"lVa,
Jersey Clty,_ Nl 0730%
1uu In~OU'I"al 1JI'i"$
ler••y City, Nl 07305 ,~u ""u,•••
Porslppany. Nl 07054
407.5 "oute 9
Howell loll 07731

_............ ,,.._._-.............-._.

Case 3:0C6a-scev3-0:026-3c7v-102-J37A1P-J-ATPJ-TBJB DDooccuummenetn1t51-26' FileFdil0e6d1107182/02070/20Pa0g7e 16 oPfa1g6 e 16 of 16

1017 1039 1040 1079
tOl1 109!!

R_
But1e( MlnahlWldn
MatQWan
RiO Gnande Clifton

n rp GO 11. I\Oc:kIW' NJ 07866

ran e

~

n r,

0

U~lt II

• RiO Grende. NJ Q824l 4 ou e Clifton NJ 07013

- - - -- .... ,,'~.-,~ ........

..- ,.

----.,---',

 
 CM/ECF LIVE - U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

https://ecf.njd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/DktRpt.pl?366986455669811-L_19...

CLOSED, RULE16, SCHEDO
U.S. District Court District of New Jersey [LIVE] (Trenton) CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION v. BED BATH & BEYOND, INC. Assigned to: Judge Joel A. Pisano Referred to: Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni Cause: 42:2000e Job Discrimination (Employment)

Date Filed: 05/25/2006 Date Terminated: 08/20/2007 Jury Demand: Plaintiff Nature of Suit: 442 Civil Rights: Jobs Jurisdiction: U.S. Government Plaintiff

Plaintiff
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

represented by ELIZABETH GROSSMAN NEW YORK DISTRICT OFFICE EEOC 33 WHITEHALL STREET 5TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10004-2112 (212) 336-3695 Fax: (212) 3623 Email: elizabeth.grossman@eeoc.gov LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

V. Defendant BED BATH & BEYOND, INC.

represented by MARVIN M GOLDSTEIN PROSKAUER ROSE LLP ONE NEWARK CENTER 18TH FLOOR NEWARK, NJ 07102 (973) 274-3250 Email: mmgoldstein@proskauer.com LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
JOSEPH ALAN NUCCIO MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP 502 CARNEGIE CENTER PRINCETON, NJ 08540 609-919-6600 Fax: 609-919-6701 Email: jnuccio@morganlewis.com

1 of 3

3/22/2008 3:58 PM

CM/ECF LIVE - U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

https://ecf.njd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/DktRpt.pl?366986455669811-L_19...

ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Date Filed 05/24/2006 05/25/2006 08/07/2006 08/31/2006 09/08/2006
10/05/2006 10/10/2006
11/16/2006 12/04/2006 12/04/2006 12/08/2006
12/18/2006

# Docket Text
1 COMPLAINT against BED BATH & BEYOND, INC. , filed by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION.(ce3) (Entered: 05/25/2006)
Summons Issued as to BED BATH & BEYOND, INC..(Mailed to Counsel)Days Due - 20. (ce3) (Entered: 05/25/2006)
2 ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Judge Joel A. Pisano for all further proceedings. Judge Mary L. Cooper no longer assigned to case Signed by Judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr. on 8/7/2006. (ss, ) (Entered: 08/08/2006)
3 Notice of Call for dismissal Pursuant to Rule 4 (m; Ret'ble 9/11/06 (ck ) (Entered: 08/31/2006)
4 AFFIDAVIT of Service for Complaint and returned Waiver of Service retur served on Defendant's represent, Mr. Wilck on 08/16/2006, filed by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service Waiver of)(RANIS, MICHAEL) (Entered: 09/08/2006)
5 STIPULATION (Joint) to Extend Time for Defendant to Answer Complaint by BED BATH & BEYOND, INC.. (NUCCIO, JOSEPH) (Entered: 10/05/2006)
6 STIPULATION & ORDER granting extension of time for hte dft. to answer 1 Complaint to 11/20/06. (Clerk's Note: Counsel's Attention is called to Local Civil Rule 6.1(b) in re: Other than the Clerk's extension, any other proposed extension of time must be presented to the Court. Documetn 5 should not have been e-filed but sent directly to the Magistrate Judge) . Signed by Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on 10/6/06. (ck, ) (Entered: 10/10/2006)
7 STIPULATION & ORDER granting extension of time for the defendant to answer re 1 Complaint to 12/4/06. Signed by Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on 11/16/06. (ck, ) (Entered: 11/16/2006)
8 ANSWER to Complaint by BED BATH & BEYOND, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Certification pursuant to Local Civil Rule 11.2# 2 Certificate of Service)(NUCCIO, JOSEPH) (Entered: 12/04/2006)
9 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by BED BATH & BEYOND, INC. re 8 Answer to Complaint and Local Rule 11.2 Certification (NUCCIO, JOSEPH) (Entered: 12/04/2006)
10 ORDER Scheduling a rule 16 Conference set for 2/26/2007 2:30 PM in Trenton Courtroom 6E before Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.Signed by Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on 12/8/06. (Attachments: # 1 ADR MEMO)(mm) (Entered: 12/08/2006)
Reset Hearings: Scheduling a rule 16 Conference set for 3/12/2007 2:00 PM in Trenton - Courtroom 6E before Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. (mm) (Entered: 12/18/2006)

2 of 3

3/22/2008 3:58 PM

CM/ECF LIVE - U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

https://ecf.njd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/DktRpt.pl?366986455669811-L_19...

01/12/2007 03/20/2007 03/26/2007 04/27/2007 06/05/2007 06/28/2007 08/01/2007 08/10/2007 08/17/2007 08/20/2007

11 Letter SCHEDULING ORDER: Status Conference set for 3/26/2007, 3:30 PM in Trenton - Courtroom 6E before Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni; Signed by Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on 1/11/07 (DH) (Entered: 01/12/2007)
Reset Hearings: Scheduling a rule 16 Conference set for 5/4/2007 3:00 PM in Trenton - Courtroom 6E before Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. (mm) (Entered: 03/20/2007)
12 Letter SCHEDULING ORDER re scheduling conference, Signed by Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on 3/26/07 (DH) (Entered: 03/27/2007)
Reset Hearings: Scheduling a rule 16 Conference set for 5/21/2007 2:00 PM in Trenton - Courtroom 6E before Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. (mm) (Entered: 04/27/2007)
13 Letter from Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (SANTOS, ADELA) (Entered: 06/05/2007)
14 LETTER ORDER SETING CASE MANAGEMENT/SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE FOR 8/13/2007 @ 10:00AM with certain instructions for counsel Signed by Judge Joel A. Pisano on 6/27/2007. (ss, ) (Entered: 06/28/2007)
COUNSEL FOR PARTIES MUST BE PRESENT: Reset Hearings/Case Management & Settlement Conference set for 9/6/2007 09:30 AM before Judge Joel A. Pisano. (DS) (Entered: 08/01/2007)
CLERK'S NOTE: Case Management/Settlement Conference set for 9/6/07 at 9:30 a.m. will be ADJOURNED (parties stipulate to settle case). (DS) (Entered: 08/10/2007)
15 Letter from EEOC with Proposed Consent Decree Enclosed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Consent Decree)(BATOG, KONRAD) (Entered: 08/17/2007)
16 ORDER APPROVING CONSENT DECREE. Signed by Judge Joel A. Pisano on 8/20/07. (ck, ) (Entered: 08/20/2007)

PACER Service Center

Transaction Receipt

03/22/2008 16:57:02

PACER Login:

wu0079

Client Code:

eeoc

Description:

Docket Report

Search Criteria:

3:06-cv-02371-JAP-TJB Start date: 1/1/1970 End date: 3/24/2008

Billable Pages:

2

Cost: 0.16

3 of 3

3/22/2008 3:58 PM