Opinion ID: 178097
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Watkins’s Complaint to Barton

Text: Sometime in April or May of 2003, Watkins learned that his temporary assignment in Key West had not resulted in a promotion. Watkins called Barton in Human Resources for clarification and asked Barton why he did not receive a salary increase. Barton told Watkins his temporary assignment was not a promotion. Watkins responded that he intended to file an EEO discrimination complaint once his probationary period was over. Watkins did not file his complaint immediately because he “did not want to have any bruises on [his] record during [his] probation.” It is undisputed that none of the supervisors in Watkins’s chain of command was aware that he intended to complain of discrimination. Diane Barton denies ever speaking with Watkins and avers that she was unaware that Watkins was African American or that he planned to file a race discrimination complaint. However, at summary judgment, we construe all facts in the light most favorable to Watkins. Thus, we assume Watkins told Barton he planned to complain of discrimination.