Opinion ID: 692976
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defamatory Remarks

Text: 32 Nelson next contends that two allegedly defamatory remarks by Freyberger constitute an adverse employment action. The first was in December 1990 when Freyberger received a petty cash voucher which Nelson submitted but which a student delivered. The following conversation, which Nelson characterizes as the first defamatory publication, followed the submission of the voucher: 33 . . . . . 34 FREYBERGER: What do you want from me? 35 STUDENT: Well they won't take [the voucher] at the business office. 36 FREYBERGER: First of all, I am no longer responsible for the gospel choir. And, second of all, when somebody signs [the voucher] as recommended, ... if they are not entitled to sign, it is tantamount to stealing from the college. 37 Appellant's app. at 98 (emphasis added). 38 The second remark, an alleged republication of the above emphasized language, occurred in early 1993 after this action was filed. Nelson contends that Freyberger discussed the allegations contained in her complaint with his staff, thereby republishing the allegedly defamatory remarks. 8 39 The district court rejected Nelson's claim that Freyberger's remarks gave rise to an actionable claim for unlawful retaliation under Title VII. In doing so, the court noted that Nelson failed to offer any evidence that these remarks had any adverse effect on her future employment. We agree with the conclusion of the district court and, in view of our earlier discussion, we need not consider this claim further.