Plaintiff Ricky Rhodes, a black male, has sued the defendant alleging that he was separated from his job as a part time flexible carrier for the United States Postal Service because of his race in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The defendant contends that Rhodes was separated because of his inability to meet the requirements expected of postal employees. After a thorough review of the record in this cause, the undersigned finds that the defendant's motion for summary judgment is well taken, and the same shall be granted. However, as with all new employees, Rhodes was first required to undergo a 90-day probationary period. Training for a new carrier consists of classroom orientation, driver training and placement with a more experienced carrier.
New carriers walk the route with one or more experienced carriers and learn what to do by observing.
Gertrude Campbell, a black female, supervised Rhodes during his probationary period. As Campbell had only recently been promoted to the position of supervisor, Rhodes was the first probationary employee under her supervision. Rhodes was also assigned to Crossroads Station for a short period of time after his first evaluation where he was supervised by John Grossi, a white male. Campbell expected a carrier, during the probationary period, to become proficient in the casing of at least two routes. Subsequent to his separation, Rhodes filed an administrative complaint alleging that he had been discriminated against on the basis of race in connection with his separation.