Taylor v. Metzger

706 A.2d 685 (1998)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Taylor (P) worked as a sheriff’s officer. About twenty years into her employment she was at the Academy for firearms training when she ran into Metzger (D) and Undersheriff Isham (D1). When she said hello, D turned to D1 and stated, “There’s the jungle bunny.” D1 laughed, and P believed the remark to be demeaning and a derogatory racial slur. She became a nervous wreck and immediately began to cry. She related her experience to her co-workers who just didn’t care, and she was further offended. D twice attempted to apologize, but it was refused by P. When P disclosed the incident to the local newspapers she got harassing phone calls. She lost no income, and her basic job duties remained unchanged. She lost her position as floor supervisor. Other officers gave her the silent treatment and acted cool toward her. P claimed emotional distress and even saw a doctor. P sued for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The trial court dismissed. This appeal resulted.