Opinion ID: 46848
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: based on racial discrimination. An appeal from

Text: Because Lee is pro se, we liberally construe the partial dismissal was dismissed for lack of his briefs and apply less stringent standards in appellate jurisdiction. interpreting his arguments than we would in the case of a counseled party. Grant v. Cuel- Lee sought to amend his complaint to add lar, 59 F.3d 523, 524 (5th Cir. 1995). We claims under chapter 10 of the Texas Civil read Lee’s brief as arguing that the district Practice and Remedies Code, Titles II, III, and court incorrectly applied the McDonnell VII, and the First Amendment. His motion to Douglas burden-shifting standard in holding amend was denied, and the TDCJ’s motion for that Lee had failed to prove a prima facie case summary judgment was granted. of employment discrimination. See McDonnell Douglas v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 (1973). We II. also read Lee’s brief as arguing that he should We review a summary judgment de novo. have been allowed to amend his pleadings to Morris v. Powell, 449 F.3d 682, 684 (5th Cir. add claims pursuant to chapter 10 of the Texas 2005). All justifiable inferences to be drawn Civil Practice and Remedies Code and titles II, from the underlying facts must be viewed in III, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Minter v. Great Am. Ins. Co., 423 F.3d Lee is a former employee of the TDCJ. In 460, 465 (5th Cir. 2005). Summary judgment January 2001 he was terminated for cause is appropriate where the record demonstrates from his position as a Correctional Officer. It that there is no issue of material fact and the is undisputed that the TDCJ issued guidelines moving party is entitled to judgment as a matbefore June 2003 that did not permit rehiring ter of law. Martinez v. Bally’s La., Inc., 244 of applicants who had been dismissed for F.3d 474, 476 (5th Cir. 2001). cause within the previous ten years. In June 2003 Lee applied for reinstatement, but his To survive summary judgment, a plaintiff in a discrimination case must establish a prima facie case of discrimination through direct evi-