Anderson v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Joseph Anderson, Jr., an African-American former employee of Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (ABI), sued ABI alleging discriminatory discharge based on race in violation of Title VII. Anderson was terminated in November 1985 for falsifying call and expense reports and for contacting clients during a suspension, violating company policy. After exhausting administrative remedies with the NYSDHR and EEOC, Anderson filed this complaint. ABI moved for summary judgment, asserting the EEOC lacked authority to issue a right-to-sue letter, the claim was barred by laches, and Anderson failed to establish a discrimination claim. The court ruled that the EEOC had authority and rejected the laches defense. However, the court granted ABI's motion for summary judgment, finding that while Anderson established a prima facie case of discrimination, he failed to demonstrate that ABI's legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for termination were a pretext for racial discrimination. The complaint was dismissed with prejudice.