Wallace J. Courtney v. Canyon Television & Appliance Rental, Inc., David Manthei, Mark Bartholomew and Matt Pinkerton

Wallace Courtney sued his former employer, Canyon Television & Appliance Rental, Inc. (“Canyon”), alleging wrongful discharge grounded in intentional racial discrimination, and alleging breach of contract, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The district court granted Canyon's motion for summary judgment on all claims. Courtney then filed a motion for reconsideration which was denied. Courtney appeals both judgments. We affirm.

I.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

In June, 1986, Canyon Television Appliance and Rental, Inc., hired Wallace Courtney as a management-trainee for one of its several Hawaii stores. In November, 1986, Canyon transferred Courtney to a second store and promoted him, on a trial basis, to manager. Canyon terminated Courtney’s employment in February 1987. Courtney, who is black, brought an action against Canyon and three members of its management (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Canyon”), alleging that his termination was the result of racial discrimination, as prohibited by 42 U.S.C. § 1981 . In addition, he brought four state claims, alleging that the termination breached implied and express contracts of employment, that he had…