Opinion ID: 78563
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Rhoden

Text: Robin Rhoden was promoted from the same Certificate used to promote Reynolds, and the facts surrounding the two promotions are virtually identical, except insofar as Rhoden was listed third, not first, on the Certificate. Brown was not and could not have been on the Certificate, and therefore failed to establish a prima facie case. And, once again, Brown's absence from the Certificate also provided a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the promotion of Rhoden. Further, Rhoden had a number of specific qualifications listed on a form memorializing her promotion, including experience in construction and as a District Engineer, a working knowledge of materials issues, and a degree in civil engineering technology. Brown, who had largely completed the requirements for a degree in civil engineering, had never obtained one. In addition, Rhoden's appointment was approved expressly by Brown's African-American supervisor Ron Green. Green, as a member of the interview team, found Rhoden better suited than the other applicants. Finally, as with Reynolds, there is no evidence that the Department provided Rhoden with an unfair competitive advantage through out-of-classification assignments to the position she ultimately filled.