Adeola Akinde v. Bryant University

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island grants Bryant University's motion for summary judgment in Adeola Akinde's employment-discrimination and retaliation action. The court rejects claims based on race, disability, FMLA leave, and alleged whistleblower retaliation, concluding that the plaintiff failed to show pretext, causation, or a genuine dispute of material fact. The order was issued per curiam by Judge Mary S. McElroy on April 22, 2026.

Holdings

1. The University was entitled to summary judgment on Akinde's race-discrimination claims because, even assuming he established a prima facie case, the University identified legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons for the challenged actions and Akinde offered no evidence from which a reasonable jury could find those reasons pretextual.
2. The University was entitled to summary judgment on Akinde's retaliation and RIWPA claims because no reasonable jury could find that protected activity was the but-for cause of the challenged discipline or termination.
3. Akinde failed to establish prima facie claims of disability discrimination, disability retaliation, or failure to accommodate under the ADA, FEPA, RICRA, or FMLA, and the University was entitled to summary judgment.
4. Summary judgment was granted to Bryant University on all claims.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Akinde presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find that Bryant University's disciplinary actions, performance-review revision, or termination were motivated by race discrimination.
2. Whether Akinde presented sufficient evidence that his grievances and discrimination complaints were the but-for causes of the University's disciplinary actions or termination.
3. Whether Akinde established prima facie claims of disability discrimination, disability retaliation, or failure to accommodate under the ADA, FEPA, RICRA, or FMLA.
4. Whether the University was entitled to summary judgment because the undisputed evidence showed legitimate, nondiscriminatory and nonretaliatory reasons for its actions and no evidence of pretext.

Disposition

other