JENKINS v. SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT WORKFORCE (2020)

Clarence B. Jenkins, Jr., appeals the magistrate judge's order dismissing his amended complaint alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e to 2000e-17 (2018). See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) (2018). We have found no evidence supporting Jenkins’ assertion that the magistrate judge and Defendants engaged in misconduct during the proceedings. And because Jenkins’ opening informal brief does not challenge the grounds for the magistrate judge's disposition, he has forfeited appellate review of those rulings. See 4th Cir. R. 34(b); Jackson v. Lightsey, 775 F.3d 170, 177 (4th Cir. 2014) (“The informal brief is an important document; under Fourth Circuit rules, our review is limited to issues preserved in that brief.”); United States v. Copeland, 707 F.3d 522, 530 (4th Cir. 2013) (“[G]enerally we will not consider issues raised for the first time in a reply brief.”). Accordingly, we affirm the magistrate judge's order.^* We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

FOOTNOTE.   Although the magistrate judge dismissed some claims without prejudice, we have jurisdiction to consider Jenkins’ appeal. See Bing v. Brivo Sys., LLC, 959 F.3d 605, 615 (4th Cir. 2020).

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.