Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_08-cv-00460/USCOURTS-caed-2_08-cv-00460-0/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Plaintiff
Heartland Employment Services, LLC
Defendant
ManorCare Health Services-Citrus Heights
Defendant

Document Text:

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 

95361278.1 052829.1014 

1. 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 

OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, 

Plaintiff, 

v. 

HEARTLAND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, 

LLC d/b/a MANORCARE HEALTH 

SERVICES-CITRUS HEIGHTS, 

Defendant. 

Case No. 2:08-CV-00460-FCD-DAD

CONSENT DECREE 

Plaintiff, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

(“Commission”) commenced this action on February 28, 2008, pursuant to Title VII of the Civil 

Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq. (“Title VII”). The Commission’s action 

was brought to correct alleged unlawful practices on the basis of religion. At all times Defendant 

Heartland Employment Services (“Heartland”) has denied any violation of Title VII. 

As a result of settlement discussions, the Commission and Heartland have resolved 

their differences and, pursuant to the Commission’s policy that the only way this matter can be 

settled is to have a Consent Decree entered, this matter is being settled pursuant to this Decree. It is 

the intent of the parties that this Consent Decree be a final and binding settlement in full disposition 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 1 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 2. 

of any and all claims arising out of this case. Nothing in this Consent Decree should be construed as 

an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Heartland. 

It is therefore the finding of this Court, made on the pleadings and the record as a 

whole, that: 1) the Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action; 2) the 

purpose and provisions of Title VII will be promoted and effectuated by the entry of this Consent 

Decree; and 3) this Consent Decree resolves all matters in controversy between the parties as 

provided in the paragraphs below. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION 

1. Heartland and its officers, agents, employees, and successors agree for the duration of this 

Decree that they shall not: 

(a) discriminate against any employee on the basis of religion; or 

(b) retaliate against any employee because s/he: (i) opposes discriminatory practices based 

upon religion which are unlawful under Title VII; (ii) files a charge of discrimination or assists or 

participates in the filing of such a charge; or (iii) assists or participates in an investigation or 

proceeding brought under the federal laws prohibiting discrimination or retaliation. 

MONETARY RELIEF 

1. Within fourteen (14) calendar days after this Consent Decree has been entered by the Court, 

Heartland agrees to pay Baljit Kaur Bhandal the amount of $30,000, less applicable state and federal 

withholding taxes. Heartland shall issue a W-2 form for this amount in the ordinary course of 

business. Heartland shall mail the check directly to Ms. Bhandal at her home address via certified 

mail, return receipt requested. Within ten (10) calendar days thereafter, Heartland shall mail a copy 

of the check and certified mail receipt to Marcia L. Mitchell, Senior Trial Attorney, Equal 

Employment Opportunity Commission, 350 The Embarcadero, Suite 500, San Francisco, California, 

94105. 

2. Heartland will not condition the receipt of individual relief on Ms. Bhandal’s agreement to: 

(a) waive her statutory right to file a charge with any federal or state anti-discrimination agency; or 

(c) waive her right to apply for a position with Heartland. 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 2 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 3. 

POLICY 

1. The parties acknowledge that Heartland has had and continues to have a religious 

accommodation policy in place that is available to employees on the company intranet and in hard 

copy in the human resources department. 

2. The parties acknowledge that Heartland has a legal obligation to provide a safe environment 

for the residents of its facilities. The parties acknowledge that these security concerns may, 

depending on the circumstances and after meeting and conferring with the individual involved, 

provide a legitimate basis for Heartland to impose some requirements or restrictions relating to the 

individual’s kirpan or the manner in which it is worn. 

NON-MONETARY RELIEF 

1. Within ninety (90) calendar days after this Consent Decree has been entered by the Court, 

Heartland will post the statement, attached as Exhibit A, in a conspicuous place on its premises in 

Citrus Heights, California, where employee notices are posted, encouraging employees to report any 

claims of religious discrimination to a manager, human resources, or the United States Equal 

Employment Opportunity Commission if they believe they have been discriminated against on the 

basis of religion. This statement will include the names and telephone numbers of managers or 

human resources staff to whom employees can make such a report; 

2. Heartland will maintain the confidentiality of any religious discrimination reports and 

investigate these reports in a prompt and fair manner; 

3. Heartland will not retaliate against employees who believe they have been discriminated 

against based on their religious beliefs, nor will it retaliate against any of these employees’ 

witnesses. 

4. Heartland agrees that it will provide a neutral reference to prospective employers of Bhandal 

provided that Bhandal directs prospective employers to call the outside vendor designated by the 

company for employment references, which number shall be provided to Bhandal by Heartland. 

5. Training: Heartland will conduct one training session for all managers at its Citrus Heights 

location, the Regional Human Resources Manager(s) responsible for the Citrus Heights location, and 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 3 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 4. 

those persons at the corporate office who would be involved in the decision-making process when an 

employee makes a request to wear one or more of the Sikh Articles of Faith (i.e. the Kirpan, Kesh, 

Kangha, Kachecha, and Kara) in the workplace, on the requirements of Title VII as it relates to 

religious discrimination and accommodation in accordance with the following: 

(a) The training will be conducted within ninety (90) calendar days after this Consent 

Decree has been entered by the Court. The trainer shall conduct one live training session three (3) 

hours in length, including adequate time for questions and answers. All employees shall register 

when they attend the training, and Heartland shall retain the registry for the duration of this Consent 

Decree and forward a copy of the registry to Marcia L. Mitchell, Senior Trial Attorney, at the 

address listed in this Consent Decree. Heartland shall report the name of any manager who misses 

the training and will provide to the EEOC the date when they will be trained. 

(b) The training shall include examples relating to Sikhism, the Sikh Articles of Faith (i.e. 

the Kirpan, Kesh, Kangha, Kachecha, and Kara), and, specifically, the requirement that all baptized 

Sikhs wear a kirpan. Heartland will consult with the Sikh Coalition, or other similar organization or 

resource, in its development of materials related to Sikhism. 

(c) All employees at the Citrus Heights location will be informed that they are required to 

attend this training. 

6. Notice Posting: Heartland agrees to post the Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy attached 

as Appendix A to this Consent Decree in a conspicuous place on its premises where employee 

notices are posted at it Citrus Heights, California facility. Said notice shall remain posted 

throughout the term of this Consent Decree. 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 4 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 5. 

7. Reporting: Heartland agrees to submit three annual reports to the Commission detailing its 

compliance with this Consent Decree. The first report shall be due six (6) months after entry of this 

decree, with subsequent reports mailed to the EEOC one year following the previously submitted 

report. The report shall include the following information for the twelve month period preceding the 

report: the identities of all employees who, during the reporting period, requested a religious 

accommodation, including by way of identification each employee’s name, address, telephone 

number, nature of request made, and the resolution of the request. The report shall be directed to 

Marcia L. Mitchell, Senior Trial Attorney, at the address listed in this Consent Decree. The report 

shall be due within six (6) months after completion of the training session required above. 

8. Heartland agrees that the Commission may review compliance with this Consent Decree. As 

part of such review, the Commission may inspect the premises, interview employees, and examine 

and copy documents. The Commission agrees to provide reasonable advance notice of such review 

and to conduct the review during normal operating hours. 

DURATION OF THE CONSENT DECREE

The provisions of this Consent Decree shall remain in full force and effect for three 

(3) years upon the Court’s entry of the Decree. 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND COMPLIANCE

1. In the event that the Commission alleges that a violation of this Consent Decree has occurred, 

prior to exercising any remedy provided by law, the Commission will give notice in writing to 

Heartland specifically identifying the violation. Heartland will have thirty (30) days in which to 

investigate and respond to the allegation. Thereafter, the parties will have a period of thirty (30) 

days, or such additional period as may be agreed upon by them, in which to negotiate and confer 

regarding such allegation, before the Commission exercises any remedy provided by law. 

2. This Court shall retain jurisdiction over this action for the duration of the Consent Decree. 

During this time, the Commission may petition this Court to order Heartland to comply with this 

Consent Decree. 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 5 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 6. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

1. Each party shall bear their own costs and expenses of litigation, including attorneys’ fees. 

2. If any provision(s) of this Consent Decree is (are) found to be unlawful, only the specific 

provision(s) in question shall be affected and the other provisions will remain in full force and effect. 

3. The terms of this Consent Decree are and shall be binding on the present and future owners, 

officers, directors, employees, creditors, agents, trustees, administrators, successors, representatives, 

and assigns of Heartland. 

4. This Consent Decree constitutes the entire agreement and commitment of the parties. Any 

modification to this Consent Decree must be mutually agreed upon, memorialized in writing, and 

signed by both parties. 

Dated: May 6, 2010 

SHARON E. HOLLINS 

Assistant General Counsel 

HEARTLAND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, 

LLC 

Dated: May 6, 2010 

MATTHEW J. RUGGLES 

LITTLER MENDELSON 

A Professional Corporation 

Attorneys for Defendant 

HEARTLAND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, 

LLC D/B/A MANORCARE HEALTH 

SERVICES-CITRUS HEIGHTS 

Dated: May ____, 2010 

WILLIAM TAMAYO 

Regional Attorney, San Francisco District 

Office for Plaintiff 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

COMMISSION

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 6 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 7. 

Dated: May ____, 2010 

JONATHAN T. PECK 

Attorney for Plaintiff 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

COMMISSION 

Dated: May ____, 201 

MARCIA L. MITCHELL 

Attorney for Plaintiff 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

COMMISSION 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

DATED: June 7, 2010 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 7 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 8. 

APPENDIX A 

EMPLOYEE NOTICE

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 Federal law requires that there be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for 

employment because of the employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (over 40), or 

disability. 

 Federal law also prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of religion in aspects 

of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, and 

fringe benefits. In addition, employers have a duty to reasonably accommodate the sincerely-held 

religious beliefs of employees within the workplace, absent a showing of undue hardship. 

 Heartland Employment Services, Inc. supports and will comply with such federal law in all 

respects and will not take any actions against employees because they have exercised their rights, 

reported an alleged violation under the law, or have given testimony, assistance, or participation in 

any investigation, proceeding, or hearing conduced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission. 

 An employee has the right, and is encouraged to exercise that right, to report allegations of 

employment discrimination in the workplace. An employee may contact the U.S. Equal 

Employment Opportunity Commission for the purpose of filing a charge of employment 

discrimination. 

Questions concerning this notice may be addressed to: 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The Care Line: 1-800-366-1232 

350 The Embarcadero, Suite 500 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

Telephone: (415) 625-5602 

TDD (415) 625-5610 

EEOC 1-800-669-4000 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 8 of 9
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

CONSENT DECREE (NO. 2:08-CV-00460-

FCD-DAD) 9. 

APPENDIX B

RELEASE

1. I, Baljit Kaur Bhandal, for and in consideration of the sum of $30,000, to be paid to me by 

Heartland Employment Services, Inc. (“Heartland”), do hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, 

administrators, assigns, and agents release and forever discharge Heartland, its predecessors, 

successors, affiliates, and assigns, from any and all claims both judicial and administrative that I 

have or may have, arising out of or relating to the facts alleged in the Complaint filed by the Equal 

Employment Opportunity Commission (the “Commission”) in the case entitled Equal Employment 

Opportunity v. Heartland Employment Services, LLC d/b/a ManorCare Heath Services – Citrus 

Heights, Civil Action No. 2:08-CV-00460-FCD-DAD, in the United States District Court for the 

Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division. 

2. I declare that I know and understand the contents of this Release, that I have executed this 

Release voluntarily, and that this Release is part of the consideration given by me for settlement of 

my claim against Heartland. I understand that after signing this Release, I cannot proceed against 

any entity or person mentioned herein on account of these matters referred to in paragraph 1, above. 

3. I understand and agree that this Release is given pursuant to the settlement embodied in the 

Consent Decree agreed to by the parties to be entered by the Court. 

DATED: 

 Baljit Kaur Bhandal

NOTARY PUBLIC 

_________ County, California 

My Commission Expires: 

Subscribed and sworn to before me 

this _____ day of ________, 2010. 

Case 2:08-cv-00460-FCD-DAD Document 16 Filed 06/07/10 Page 9 of 9