Opinion ID: 2980163
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Galeski began working for the City of Dearborn as a sound technician specializing in recording at the Community Theater/Recreation Department in August 2001. Initially, he worked under the supervision of Don Bean, Crew Chief, and Jack Raeburn, General Manager of the Theater. Though Galeski did not have many complaints about his employment initially, the City of Dearborn No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn had several issues with Galeski starting soon after his employment began. In September 2002, Galeski received an oral warning for an unspecified occurrence. R. 11, Ex. 13. In February 2004, Raeburn received an anonymous letter, alleging that Galeski had been living in the Performing Arts Center Theater for over six months; that he was using the City’s washer and dryer for personal use; and that drugs were being bought and sold on the property (though there was no specific allegation that Galeski was involved in the drug trafficking activity). R. 11, Ex. 7. A copy of this letter was sent to the Mayor’s office as well, and in response Debra Walling, Corporation Counsel, sent a letter to Greg Orner, Director of the Recreation Department, on March 4, 2004, which reiterated the City’s policy that washing machines should be used for costume cleaning only, allegations of drug use should be reported to the police going forward, and Galeski’s hourly wage should not include his transportation time. R. 11, Ex. 8. In June 2005, Galeski agreed to work as an independent contractor, apart from his employment with the theater, for Jean Zimbalatti to record a dance recital at the theater for pay. Galeski hired two cameramen for the event. However, both left the recital early, preventing Galeski from recording the entire event. Zimbalatti complained to the Department of Recreation, which necessitated Raeburn’s involvement to negotiate a settlement. R. 11, Ex. 11, 12; Galeski’s Dep. at 22-24. In response to this incident, Raeburn asked Galeski and the other employees to no longer perform outside work at the Theater. R. 11, Ex. 12. Additionally, on May 25, 2006, Galeski received a Notice of Reprimand for missing set up and sound check for one of the Theater’s clients on May 15, 2006. R. 11, Ex. 13. Despite these issues, Galeski alleges that he was content with his employment. 2 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn In August 2006, Martin Zbosnik took over the position of General Manager at the Theater. Galeski alleges that, beginning in November 2006, Zbosnik repeatedly sexually harassed him such that it created a hostile work environment. For example, in November 2006, Zbosnik, wearing tight jeans, came into Galeski’s office and sat on his desk. According to Galeski, Zbosnik demonstrated his attraction to Galeski by revealing the outline of his penis to Galeski through his jeans. Galeski also states that, between November 15 and December 10, 2006, Zbosnik “made frequent visits” to his sound booth. Galeski Dep. at 32. He told Galeski that he previously sold and rented movies, including pornography. Zbosnik also told Galeski of an incident in Atlanta where he was aroused by a man holding him up at gunpoint. In addition to these conversations, Zbosnik also complimented Galeski on his physical appearance. In March 2007, he twice stopped Galeski, saying, “You have beautiful eyes,” and “Your hair is gorgeous today.” Galeski Dep. at 45-46. Zbosnik also often gave Galeski snacks, saying, “Here, this is for being a good little boy,” or “Here, this is for being a good worker.” Appellant’s Br. at 10. Galeski also alleged that Zbosnik teased him about having children with his girlfriend, Simone, asking him, “How are you going to support all her kids, your kids, and the new babies that are coming along . . . with you making less?” When Galeski indicated that he would do DVD projects to make extra money, Zbosnik said “You think so?” He then said, “Baby daddy, baby daddy, wah, wah, wah.” Galeski Dep. at 48-49. Zbosnik continued to make condescending and sarcastic remarks to Galeski about the impending birth of his children. Shortly after this incident, Zbosnik issued a memo stating that no one could record any cultural performances or shows at work. 3 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn Galeski alleges that Zbosnik followed him around at work and outside of work. According to Galeski, Zbosnik rode his bike past Galeski’s home. Galeski also alleges that on one occasion the two men rode their bikes to work at the same time, and it made Galeski so uncomfortable that he did not go in to work that day. Galeski alleges that, in October 2007, Zbosnik observed him leafing through a transgender prostitution service advertisement in a newspaper. Zbosnik then said, “Oh, you like those? I manage a crew of them. I can get you one of those.” Id. at 73. Galeski walked away disgusted, but never voiced his concern about the comment to Zbosnik or other city employees. On November 26, 2007, Galeski arrived at work late and without a uniform. Galeski alleges that Zbosnik stopped him at the door, and said “You’re out of uniform. . . Nice legs, but you’re out of uniform.” Galeski told him to “just stop.” Zbosnik tried to grab him and said, “What’s wrong with you?” Galeski then “blew by him” and went downstairs to put on his uniform. Id. at 74. Galeski was reprimanded and Zbosnik issued another Staff Discipline Report to him for violation of the employee dress code. R. 11, Ex. 14. On December 5, 2007, Galeski received another Staff Discipline Report from Zbosnik, this time for using the Theater for a private after-hours recording session without permission. This notice indicated that any further policy violations would result in his termination. R. 11, Ex. 17. Two months later, in late February 2008, Galeski attempted to go to the fitness area at work. He was told that he no longer had authorization to use the gym, but he stayed and worked out anyway. The fitness area attendants reported him for violating policy and a formal written reprimand 4 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn was produced. Pursuant to the Fitness Center’s policy, employees were provided free access to the Center, but the City could revoke this privilege at any time for misconduct. R. 11, Ex. 20. After all these instances, Galeski wrote his first formal complaint on February 25, 2008 to the Director of the Department of Recreation, Don Bean and the Mayor of the City. The letter stated that Galeski had been verbally sexually harassed by Zbosnik, who had made “sexual advances and flirtatious remarks” to Galeski. He alleged retaliation after the incidents, but did not offer specific examples. On February 28, 2008, Human Resources Analyst Celina Lawlor replied to Galeski indicating that she would investigate the matter. On March 1, 2008, Galeski worked on a show and failed to put away sound equipment, including microphones and speakers. On March 3, 2008, Galeski received an email from Bean, informing him that he left all the equipment out after the show. Galeski alleges that he called Bean to tell him that another crew member told him to leave the equipment out. Bean then allegedly asked Galeski, “Are you going head-to-head with [Zbosnik]?” Bean told Galeski to meet him in his office. When Galeski arrived, Bean issued Galeski another Staff Discipline Report for failing to complete his work, leaving a drink near the sound equipment, and failing to wear proper dress code attire despite previous warnings. R. 11, Ex. 22. In response, Galeski allegedly stated that “[t]his is blatant retaliation from [Zbosnik]. I’m being harassed.” Bean allegedly responded, “No. [Zbosnik] is just trying to make you a better employee.”1 Galeski Dep. at 86-87. On March 4, Galeski hand delivered a second written complaint to the City of Dearborn, asserting that the written reprimand was 1 Galeski also stated on this date that he was “going to the EEOC” with his complaint. [Galeski Dep. at 87] 5 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn retaliation for his previous sexual harassment complaint. Additionally, he alleged two instances of other employees being physically violated at work. Appellant’s Br. at 16. On March 6, 2008, the City initiated an investigation of Galeski’s allegations. Galeski met with Lawlor and Eric Peterson, Deputy Director of the Recreation Department, to discuss his complaint. At the meeting, Galeski informed his superiors of his interactions with Zbosnik. He told them of the snacks that Zbosnik gave him, and the comments about his hair and his eyes. Galeski complained of his “perk”—access to the gym—being taken away, which Lawlor and Peterson explained was due to the three previous written warnings Galeski received. Galeski requested not to come into contact with Zbosnik. On March 29, 2008, Galeski attempted to work out in the Fitness Center again, despite knowing that he was prohibited. The Center attendants told him he would have to pay for entrance and he refused. He told them to speak with Peterson. The attendants permitted him to finish his workout, but they issued a formal incident report. Additionally, at an unspecified date in early April, Galeski complained to Bean that his hours were being reduced because, “[Zbosnik] [took] all the hours down and he [came] up with a new plan how to distribute the hours more evenly.” According to Galeski, Bean responded, “If it wasn’t for you complaining about [Zbosnik], none of this would be happening.” Galeski Dep. at 98. 6 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn Human Resources completed its investigation and issued a report on April 10, 2008.2 While the substance of the report discussed the investigation into Galeski’s sexual harassment allegations, the conclusion recommended that the City terminate Galeski’s employment. As the report stated: I cannot find any corroboration of Dan’s claims of sexual harassment . . . Martin is trying to bring order to the [T]heater crew and it seems he is encountering considerable resistance . . . As for Dan, I believe he has been a problem for a long time. He has received little real supervision as Don’s style of supervision has been seemingly laissez-faire. There is no indication that Dan will “get with the program” and follow the direction that Martin is taking the [T]heater. I believe it would be in the Recreation’s best interest to terminate the employment relationship with Dan. R. 11, Ex. 23 at 8. On April 13, 2008, Galeski sent the City a third written complaint. In it, Galeski asserted that he did not agree with the procedure to remove all equipment after a show, and that he was reprimanded for this reason. He complained of another work colleague coming into work drunk and not in dress code, who did not receive a written reprimand, and other employees who retained their privilege to use the Fitness Center despite transgressions. Appellant’s Br. at 21. Five days later, on April 18, 2008, the City of Dearborn terminated Galeski’s employment. On December 29, 2008, the EEOC issued Galeski a right to sue letter on this matter. On March 27, 2009, Galeski filed his complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleging gender based discrimination and retaliation pursuant to Title VII and the Michigan Civil Rights Act. The City of Dearborn filed a motion for summary judgment on 2 Through the course of the City’s investigation, they interviewed several employees, including Dave Posigian, regarding Galeski’s allegations. According to the City’s report, Posigian did acknowledge that Zbosnik once helped him pull up his pants, that he told Zbosnik that he “didn’t like” such behavior, and that Zbosnik never did it again. 7 No. 10-1256 Galeski v. City of Dearborn November 16, 2009. On January 27, 2010, the district court granted the City’s motion. The district court found that Galeski failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination because he failed to allege harassment so severe or pervasive as to create a hostile work environment. Additionally, the court held that Galeski failed to establish a prima facie case of quid pro quo sexual harassment because none of the events or occurrences amounted to sexual advances or requests for sexual favors for which Galeski might lose a privilege or fear termination if he denied them. Finally, the court granted the City’s summary judgment motion as to Galeski’s retaliation claim, finding that Galeski failed to establish the prima facie case of retaliation and, alternatively, that he failed to produce any evidence that the City of Dearborn’s nondiscriminatory reason for discharging him was pretextual. Galeski now timely appeals to this court.