Opinion ID: 1814267
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: degree of discipline imposed

Text: Finally, the Department argues that Vinci's use of the word nigger, when combined with Vinci's use of the phrase psycho jerk, establishes good faith and cause for the degree of discipline imposed. Although the Board's authority is to determine whether an agency's decision was made in good faith and for cause, this matter comes to us on appeal from the district court. Unlike the district court, which may review the degree of discipline imposed by an agency de novo, we review the district court's decision in that regard only for errors appearing on the record. In the instant case, the district court's determination that the discipline imposed by the director was excessive was based solely on Vinci's statement that Ferguson was a psycho jerk. The district court did not consider Vinci's use of the word nigger or the phrase ignorant mother fucker in making its determination that Vinci's demotion was unwarranted. Because we have already determined that the district court erred by not considering Vinci's use of those statements in reaching its decision, we conclude that the district court's order reinstating Vinci to his previous rank does not conform to the law and remand the cause for further consideration.