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Questions and Answers
What condition did Davis's doctor advise her to avoid when planning to start a family?
What condition did Davis's doctor advise her to avoid when planning to start a family?
What was the reason given for Berto not traveling to Panama?
What was the reason given for Berto not traveling to Panama?
What was the main argument for the Defendant's decision to deny Davis's travel accommodation?
What was the main argument for the Defendant's decision to deny Davis's travel accommodation?
What precautionary measures did Davis take before traveling to Panama?
What precautionary measures did Davis take before traveling to Panama?
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When did Davis inform the Defendant about her pregnancy plans?
When did Davis inform the Defendant about her pregnancy plans?
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What conclusion did the court reach regarding the treatment difference between Davis and Berto?
What conclusion did the court reach regarding the treatment difference between Davis and Berto?
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What event was scheduled for June 26, 2023, in relation to the sculptural project?
What event was scheduled for June 26, 2023, in relation to the sculptural project?
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What was Davis's reaction after returning from Panama regarding her health?
What was Davis's reaction after returning from Panama regarding her health?
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Why was Davis considered uniquely qualified for the installation task?
Why was Davis considered uniquely qualified for the installation task?
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What did the Defendant think about the news related to zika?
What did the Defendant think about the news related to zika?
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What was the primary reason the plaintiff filed a complaint?
What was the primary reason the plaintiff filed a complaint?
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How did the plaintiff compare her situation to her male colleague's?
How did the plaintiff compare her situation to her male colleague's?
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What is the role of Eduardo Berto in the case presented?
What is the role of Eduardo Berto in the case presented?
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What legitimate business reason did the defendant give for assigning the plaintiff to travel?
What legitimate business reason did the defendant give for assigning the plaintiff to travel?
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How did the defendant respond to the plaintiff's Complaint?
How did the defendant respond to the plaintiff's Complaint?
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What health issue did Eduardo Berto express concern over when asked to travel?
What health issue did Eduardo Berto express concern over when asked to travel?
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What was Marion Kinney's expertise in relation to the Waterways project?
What was Marion Kinney's expertise in relation to the Waterways project?
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Which two individuals primarily collaborated on the Waterways project?
Which two individuals primarily collaborated on the Waterways project?
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What significant health event did Eduardo Berto undergo in January 2023?
What significant health event did Eduardo Berto undergo in January 2023?
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What did the plaintiff's doctor advise concerning travel plans?
What did the plaintiff's doctor advise concerning travel plans?
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Which best describes the responsibilities of Ms. Davis on the Waterways project?
Which best describes the responsibilities of Ms. Davis on the Waterways project?
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What type of project was Waterways described as?
What type of project was Waterways described as?
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What was the initial reaction of the defendant to the plaintiff's request for no travel?
What was the initial reaction of the defendant to the plaintiff's request for no travel?
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What significant change occurred in the plaintiff's personal life before filing the complaint?
What significant change occurred in the plaintiff's personal life before filing the complaint?
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Which of the following is a reason why Plaintiff's request for an accommodation was denied by Defendant?
Which of the following is a reason why Plaintiff's request for an accommodation was denied by Defendant?
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What was the main reason that Plaintiff did not want to travel to Panama?
What was the main reason that Plaintiff did not want to travel to Panama?
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What is the legal basis for the Plaintiff's claim against the Defendant?
What is the legal basis for the Plaintiff's claim against the Defendant?
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What is the legal status of the Defendant in this case?
What is the legal status of the Defendant in this case?
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Which of these statements is true according to the document?
Which of these statements is true according to the document?
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Which of the following are reasons for the Plaintiff's emotional distress?
Which of the following are reasons for the Plaintiff's emotional distress?
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What is the primary goal of Plaintiff's lawsuit?
What is the primary goal of Plaintiff's lawsuit?
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What is the most significant claim that Plaintiff makes in the complaint?
What is the most significant claim that Plaintiff makes in the complaint?
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Study Notes
Case Summary: Tionn Davis v. Karolek Arts
- Plaintiff: Tionn Davis, born June 16, 1985, residing in Metropolis, Illinois. Employed by Karolek Arts.
- Defendant: Katrina Karolek, founder/President of Karolek Arts, Inc., based in Metropolis, Illinois.
- Case Background: Disparate treatment claim under Title VII and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Davis requested an accommodation to avoid travel to Panama due to Zika virus concerns during her pregnancy attempt. Her request was denied, while a male colleague (Berto) with knee issues received a similar accommodation.
- Defendant's Defense: Karolek argued Davis’s role in supervising the "Waterways" sculpture installation in Panama was crucial, outweighing any accommodation request.
- Similar Employee Argument: Davis argued Berto, granted an accommodation for knee issues, was similarly situated to her in terms of ability to work.
- Court Ruling (Summary Judgment): The court sided with Karolek, stating that Berto's actual physical ailments (infection after knee replacement) provided a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for the accommodation, unlike Davis's potential pregnancy-related risk, deemed "speculative."
- Appeal Focus: The Seventh Circuit limited the appeal to whether: 1) Davis presented a prima facie case of discrimination, and 2) Defendant's reasons for disparate treatment were pretextual.
Plaintiff's Claim:
- Pregnancy Attempt: Davis and husband were trying to start a family, encouraged by a doctor.
- Zika Virus Concern: Davis's doctor warned against travel to Zika-affected regions due to potential risks for pregnancy.
- Accommodation Request: Davis requested a travel exemption in anticipation of pregnancy, referencing the Zika outbreak.
- Accommodation Denial: Karolek denied the accommodation, arguing Davis was the best person to supervise the Panama installation.
- Emotional Distress: Davis and husband experienced anxiety and emotional distress due to Zika risks and the possibility of not having biological children.
- Pregnancy Risk Timeline: Davis may face health complications if she attempts pregnancy over the age of 40.
Defendant's Defense:
- Berto's Knee Issues: Berto suffered a knee infection after his replacement surgery and requested, and received, an accommodation to not travel for work.
- Waterways Project: Crucial Role: Karolek deemed Davis essential for the Waterways project in Panama due to her project leadership and intimate understanding of the sculpture.
- Project Importance: The Waterways project was a high-profile, large-scale commission.
- Project Methodology: Karolek's studio uses a traditional methodology.
- Davis's Construction Role: Davis's role involved intricate design and construction, particularly creating and assembling sections of the finished sculpture for later installation in Panama.
- Davis's Qualifications: She was deemed the best person to oversee the Panama installation, particularly with unfamiliar site and worker conditions.
Supporting Evidence:
- Affidavit of Eduardo Berto: Berto's affidavit detailed his knee condition, explaining his request for accommodation and its acceptance by Karolek.
- Affidavit of Marion Kinney: Kinney, the materials expert for the project, corroborated Davis's critical role in developing a new material and collaborating extensively with her.
- Davis's Deposition: Davis’ testimony confirmed her role and concerns about travel.
- Karolek's deposition: Karolek's deposition confirmed the details of the project, the reasons for the project assignments, and the travel accommodations for Berto.
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Description
Explore the case summary of Tionn Davis v. Karolek Arts, focusing on the claims of disparate treatment under Title VII and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Analyze the denial of accommodation requests due to pregnancy-related concerns and the implications of the court's ruling on similar employee situations.