Thomas v. Mastercard Inc.

Background

Brenda Thomas filed this pro se action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State and City Human Rights Laws. The court had granted her permission to proceed without paying filing fees on May 23, 2025.

Service of the Lawsuit

Because Thomas was allowed to proceed without paying filing fees, the court explained that she could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve Mastercard. The Clerk of Court was instructed to issue a summons for Mastercard, complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form with Mastercard’s service address, and deliver the necessary paperwork to the Marshals Service.

The court extended the service period so that Thomas has 90 days after the summons is issued to complete service. If service is not completed within that period, the court stated that Thomas should request an extension of time. The order also required Thomas to notify the court in writing if her address changes and stated that the action may be dismissed if she does not do so.

Ruling

Judge Nelson S. Roman ordered the Clerk of Court to issue the summons, prepare the service materials, and provide them to the U.S. Marshals Service. The Clerk was also directed to mail Thomas a copy of the order and an information package. The order did not decide the merits of Thomas’s discrimination claims.