Opinion ID: 2295091
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Was there a causal connection between the adverse action and the protected activity?

Text: To establish the third prong of a prima facie case, appellant must demonstrate that the adverse action was causally connected to the protected activity. See Arthur Young, Co., 631 A.2d at 368. Temporal proximity between the protected activity and the adverse action can establish the causal connection. See Chang, 846 A.2d at 329; Hollins v. Fed. Nat'l Mortg. Ass'n, 760 A.2d 563, 579 (D.C.2000) (The causal connection . . . may be established by showing that the employer had knowledge of the employee's protected activity, and that the adverse personnel action took place shortly after that activity.) (quoting Mitchell v. Baldrige, 759 F.2d 80, 86 (1985)). In this case, in addition to a close temporal link between Propp's claim of discrimination and Counterpart's refusal to negotiate, LeLaulu's deposition testimony and Counterpart's admission, see notes 7 and 12, supra, support that Counterpart changed positions and made the release of claims a prerequisite to negotiating the consulting agreement because Propp complained of discrimination. (Emphasis added.) Thus, Propp has presented sufficient evidence to make out a prima facie case that defendants' stonewalling on a continuing business relationship absent a release of claims was causally connected to his discrimination complaint.