Opinion ID: 562148
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Potential Fora for Cruz' Reprisal or Discrimination

Text: Claim 41 Cruz implies in his briefs that the Board's refusal to decide his reprisal claim and notify him of a right to appeal to the EEOC or the district court deprived him of all chance for review of what he calls his Title VII discrimination claim. We need not and therefore do not decide that question. We note, however, that an appeal from the Board may not be the only route for presentation of Cruz' reprisal Title VII claim, a claim that would appear to fall within the subject matter jurisdiction of fora other than the Board. First, the district court has subject matter jurisdiction over Title VII claims. If Cruz believes he has been the victim of discriminatory acts violative of Title VII, he may file a complaint and obtain a de novo trial in the district court under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 2000e-5(f)(3). Chandler v. Roudebush, 425 U.S. 840, 96 S.Ct. 1949, 48 L.Ed.2d 416 (1976). Further, if Cruz filed a complaint with the EEOC and the EEOC dismissed his complaint because he was presenting the same issues to a court, the EEOC may reopen its proceedings on that complaint after the Board has dismissed his appeal for lack of jurisdiction. Weaver v. Garrett, EEOC App. 01894059 (April 26, 1990). Lastly, Cruz may submit his reprisal claim to the Office of Special Counsel which may, if warranted, take full remedial action. 5 U.S.C. Sec. 1206(c)(1). 7