Williams v. Samaritan Daytop Village Woodside

Background

Derick Louis Williams, who is representing himself, brings claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. He alleges that his employer discriminated against him based on race and retaliated against him.

Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain previously allowed Williams to proceed without paying court fees in advance. A person granted this status may rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants.

Order

The court ordered the Clerk of Court to issue summonses for Samaritan Daytop Village Woodside Senior Center, Tonya Chestnut, and Robert Kloepping; complete the required service forms with the defendants’ addresses; and deliver the necessary documents to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The court explained that the normal 90-day service period runs from the date the complaint is filed, but Williams could not serve the complaint before the court reviewed it and ordered summonses to issue. The court therefore extended the service period to 90 days after the summonses are issued. If service is not completed within that period, Williams should request an extension of time.

Williams must notify the court in writing if his address changes, and the court may dismiss the action if he fails to do so. The Clerk was also instructed to mail Williams an information package. The order offered Williams the option of receiving court documents by email if he completes the consent form.

Disposition

Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke entered an order directing issuance of summonses and service through the U.S. Marshals Service. The opinion does not decide whether Williams’s discrimination or retaliation allegations are valid.