Bates v. University of Texas Medical Branch
This case involves seven plaintiffs who sued the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and Leon Clements, alleging employment discrimination based on gender, race, age, and disability, retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The defendants filed motions for judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment, asserting sovereign immunity and qualified immunity, and arguing that the plaintiffs' claims lacked merit. The court granted the defendants' motions, dismissing with prejudice all claims against UTMB and Clements, including those under Title VII (age, punitive damages), §§ 1981 and 1983, ADA, and for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs' motion for leave to amend their pleading was also denied, leaving only certain Title VII claims for further proceedings.