Wesley McConnell v. Pioneer Hi-Bred

Wesley McConnell worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., as a district
sales manager. After Pioneer fired McConnell for poor performance, McConnell
brought this action against Pioneer alleging discrimination based on his mental
disability (bipolar disorder), wrongful termination, and intentional infliction of
emotional distress. The district court * granted summary judgment in Pioneer's favor,
finding McConnell failed to show he was disabled or regarded as disabled, Pioneer gave a nondiscriminatory reason for firing him, and McConnell failed to submit
evidence of conduct or statements inferring that disability discrimination was the
motivating factor in Pioneer's decision to dismiss him. The district court also concluded
the facts did not support actions for wrongful termination or intentional infliction of
emotional distress. On appeal, McConnell argues he is entitled to a jury trial. Having
carefully reviewed the record, we conclude the district court properly viewed the facts
in the light most favorable to McConnell and correctly concluded Pioneer was entitled
to judgment as a matter of law. Assuming McConnell established a prima facie case
of disability discrimination, we agree with the district court that McConnell failed to
present evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude Pioneer's stated reason
for firing McConnell was a pretext for disability discrimination.<P>* * *<P><b>Click the case caption above for the full text of the Court's opinion.</b>

Affirmed

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