MCCABE v. IDAHO STATE BOARD OF CORRECTION (2018)

MEMORANDUM *

Idaho state prisoner Melvin McCabe appeals pro se from the district court's judgment dismissing his action alleging claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Rehabilitation Act (“RA”). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291. We review de novo. Watison v. Carter, 668 F.3d 1108, 1112 (9th Cir. 2012) (dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) ); Wilhelm v. Rotman, 680 F.3d 1113, 1118 (9th Cir. 2012) (dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915A). We vacate and remand.

The district court dismissed McCabe's action after finding that McCabe's allegations regarding defendants' discriminatory motive were insufficient to state a plausible claim. However, McCabe alleged that defendants excluded him from certain higher paying work placements on the basis of his bottom bunk assignment and that, on information and belief, defendants have developed a discriminatory “placement matrix” that favors non-disabled inmates. The generalized statements regarding placement decisions, contained in the grievance form attached to the first amended complaint, do not render implausible McCabe's claims concerning his specific placement requests. Liberally construed, McCabe's allegations “are sufficient to warrant ordering [defendants] to file an answer.” Wilhelm, 680 F.3d at 1116; O'Guinn v. Lovelock Corr. Ctr., 502 F.3d 1056, 1060 (9th Cir. 2007) (setting forth elements of claims under Title II of the ADA and the RA).

We do not consider matters not specifically and distinctly raised and argued in the opening brief. See Padgett v. Wright, 587 F.3d 983, 985 n.2 (9th Cir. 2009).

VACATED and REMANDED.