Is there a causal link between a protected action and a retaliatory action?

A causal link may be established by an inference derived from circumstantial evidence, such as knowledge of plaintiffs participation in protected activities and the proximity in time between the protected action and allegedly retaliatory adverse action. Jordan v. Clark, 847 F.2d 1368, 1376 (9th Cir.1988). In the present case, there was a causal connection between the protected activities and the adverse actions in temporal proximity: plaintiffs engaged in protected activities in May and July 2006, and April 2007, and adverse actions were taken against plaintiffs in July 2006, and Spring of 2007.