In Pannek, et al v. U.S. Bank National Association (6th Cir., No. 25-3076, 08/07/2026), Pannek and Strotman sued for retaliation and hostile work environment under Title VII and state law, and for ADEA violations. The district court granted summary judgment on all claims. The Sixth circuit affirmed on the Title VII hostile environment and ADEA claims. However, the court reversed and remanded on the Title VII retaliation claims. The court found sufficient evidence to establish a question of fact as to whether the employer’s decision to fire the plaintiff’s was in part based on the filing of a discrimination complaint with the employer. Because there was some evidence indicating the employer was considering retaining the plaintiffs prior to the filing of the complaint, summary judgment was therefore not appropriate. Additionally, while the employer claimed plaintiffs were let go as part of a reorganization, the records indicated the supervisor did not think that terminations would be a result of the institutional reorganization
Sixth Circuit Reverses SJ on Title VII Retaliation Claim
