Opinion ID: 2822019
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to Interview

Text: Stennett additionally argues that TPSD’s failure to interview her for five of the seven positions 9 notwithstanding her exemplary qualifications provides further support for a finding of pretext. It is undisputed that Stennett did not receive interviews for the following five positions: (1) Tupelo Middle School Assistant Principal; (2) Lawndale Elementary Assistant Principal; (3) Lawhon Administrative Intern; (4) High School Advancement Academy Lead Teacher; and (5) District Testing Coordinator at the Central Office. As discussed above, the evidence viewed in the light most favorable to Stennett shows that she possessed qualifications and experience directly pertinent to these positions. With regard to the assistant principal and administrative intern positions, the evidence demonstrates that Stennett not only possessed two certifications in school administration (AA Administrator and AA Secondary School Principal) but also had worked in a supervisory administrative capacity at TPSD’s alternative school for many years. Stennett’s prior experience as an administrator was corroborated through the testimony of Fillmore Center staff who consistently described her position as “assistant principal,” “assistant administrator,” or “assistant director.” Further, with regard to the “lead teacher” and “testing coordinator” positions, the evidence showed that Stennett had prior experience as a “lead teacher” at the Bissell Alternative School, and 9 In addition, the record contains evidence that Stennett was not interviewed for the three positions to which she applied in June 2010. However, Stennett does not challenge TPSD’s failure to hire her for those positions and, therefore, we consider only the seven positions at issue on appeal. 16 Case: 13-60783 Document: 00513135322 Page: 17 Date Filed: 07/30/2015 No. 13-60783 that one of her duties at the Fillmore Center had been to serve as the school’s “on-site test coordinator/assistant test coordinator.” In light of Stennett’s exemplary qualifications, pertinent experience, and excellent performance reviews, a reasonable juror could find it suspect that she would not even be provided the opportunity to interview for the vast majority of the positions. Indeed, we previously have recognized that an employer’s failure to interview a candidate can “help carry [plaintiff’s] burden” of proving pretext. Wheeler v. City of Columbus, Miss., 686 F.2d 1144, 1153–54 (5th Cir. 1982); accord Hopson v. DaimlerChrysler Corp., 306 F.3d 427, 434–35 (6th Cir. 2002) (“[Plaintiff] has presented evidence that he applied for five positions for which Defendant–Appellee concedes he was qualified, and for which he was rejected before he was even given an interview. It strains credulity to conclude that, not once, but five times, the other employees who applied for the open positions were so significantly more qualified than [plaintiff] that he was not even worthy of an interview.”). Although the record indicates that the individual principals had the ultimate power to decide whom to interview, the record nevertheless supports a finding that the individual principals conferred in deciding not to interview Stennett. For example, Brock English, who was the principal at Lawndale Elementary and who chose not to interview Stennett for the open Assistant Principal position there, testified that he considered the recommendations of some of his “trusted colleagues” in determining whom to interview for that position. Although English could not recall the names of all the “trusted colleagues” on whom he relied, English specifically recalled that he conferred with Kristy Luse, who was the Principal at Tupelo Middle School at the time. Vitally, the record reflects that Luse likewise refused to interview Stennett for the available Assistant Principal at Tupelo Middle School. 17 Case: 13-60783 Document: 00513135322 Page: 18 Date Filed: 07/30/2015 No. 13-60783 In this connection, the record also reflects that each of the principals’ hiring decisions were subject to approval by the TPSD superintendent, who, at the relevant time, was David Meadows. 10 Notably, the record reveals that Stennett met with Meadows on June 14, 2011, during which she discussed with him her desire to continue working with TPSD. At this meeting, Stennett also communicated her interest in available positions to Meadows, who told her to “make sure [her] application [was] in[.]” Nevertheless, Meadows, who was in charge of conducting interviews for the District Testing Coordinator position, refused to even interview Stennett for the position. Moreover, after his meeting with Stennett occurred, Meadows proceeded to approve the various principals’ hiring recommendations for nearly all 11 the other positions to which Stennett had applied. Although Meadows previously had told Stennett at their meeting that he “would assist her if at all possible,” Meadows provided no explanation for why he did not inquire why Stennett was not recommended for these positions, such as the Lawndale Assistant Principal and Lawhon Administrative Intern positions, given that he was aware of Stennett’s qualifications and interest in such positions. In sum, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Stennett and drawing all reasonable inferences therefrom, we conclude that a jury reasonably could determine that it was not a mere coincidence that Stennett was denied interviews for the vast majority of these positions notwithstanding her exemplary qualifications, pertinent experience, and excellent performance reviews, particularly where some of the 10 Meadows served as interim superintendent of TPSD from April 2011 to May 31, 2012. The record indicates that Meadows approved the Tupelo Middle School Assistant 11 Principal position on June 13. 18 Case: 13-60783 Document: 00513135322 Page: 19 Date Filed: 07/30/2015 No. 13-60783 principals indisputably conferred in their decision-making process and where the superintendent was clearly aware of Stennett’s interest in the available positions. 12