Facts

Plaintiff Vernetta Steele is an African American woman who was employed in 1999 by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. She worked there as an applications clerk. Steele applied to be a district adjudication officer, but was denied. She was subsequently terminated after her employment term was not extended. Steele filed suit against the Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, for discrimination based on color, gender and race, as well as retaliation and Title VII violation.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that she was subjected to retaliation after she filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1998 alleging discrimination for denial of her application.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended there was no discrimination or retaliation; that her term was not renewed because she had many work absences and that other applicants were more qualified than plaintiff.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed emotional distress and lost earnings. Prior to obtaining representation, she alleged $5 million in damages.

Result

The judge ruled in favor of defendant.

Other Information

The plaintiff has appealed.