Taloren Govan v. Security National Financial Co

MEMORANDUM

Taloren Govan appeals the district court’s order granting summary judgment to defendants Security National Financial Corporation and the funeral homes Greer Wilson and Crystal Rose (collectively, “SNFC”) on his claims of discrimination and retaliation based on race and religion in violation of Title VII, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, and 42 U.S.C. § 1981 . We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . After de novo review, we affirm.

Govan worked at several funeral homes owned by SNFC between 2008 and 2010. He was hired at Crystal Rose Funeral Home in June 2008, and shortly after was promoted to manager. Govan was transferred to the financially ailing Adobe Chapel and changed from a salaried to an hourly employee. Reorganization did not save Adobe, which closed not long after Govan arrived. When Adobe closed, Go-van’s job was eliminated, and he was once again transferred, this time to be a runner at Greer Wilson, a third SNFC home. In March 2009, Govan’s pay was cut as a part of a broad pay reduction program to avoid layoffs. His pay was cut more than others’ to align his wage with his duties as a runner. Unhappy with his treatment, and allegedly having been…