Curtis v. Silicon Valley Bank
Appellant Terri Curtis was terminated from her position as a compensation manager for respondent Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Curtis, who was 41 years old at the time of her termination and had returned from maternity leave five months prior to her discharge, brought an action against SVB for age discrimination, gender discrimination, and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. The trial court granted summary adjudication of each of Curtiss causes of action and, hence, SVBs motion for summary judgment.
On appeal, we conclude that SVB presented sufficient evidence of nondiscriminatory reasons for terminating Curtis and that Curtis failed to present substantial responsive evidence demonstrating the existence of a material factual dispute with regard to pretext or discriminatory animus on the part of SVB. Court therefore hold that the court properly granted summary adjudication of Curtiss causes of action for age and gender discrimination. Court also hold that Curtis cannot state a claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Court therefore affirm the summary judgment.
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