Diversity education effort results in allegations of “intentional infliction of emotional distress”

Diversity education effort results in allegations of “intentional infliction of emotional distress”
Graham v Guilderland CSD, App. Div., 256 AD2d 863, Motion for leave to appeal denied, 93 NY2d 803

Teacher John Birchler found himself named as a defendant in a lawsuit when the parents of a black student objected to some of the comments he made during a class discussion concerning “Homosexual Awareness.”

According to the decision by the Appellate Division:

While discussing a “Homosexual Awareness Assembly” that had been held the previous day, a student asked [Birchler] “Why not call them Faggots? That’s what they are!” In response [Birchler] pointed to Elizabeth, the only African American in the classroom and stated, “Why not call Liz a ‘nigger’ because that’s what she is? Liz, why not tell us what it feels like to be called a ‘nigger.’“

Elizabeth and her parents sued the district and Birchler, claiming [Elizabeth was the victim of the] “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” They contended that because Elizabeth was the only African American in the class Birchler had a “heightened duty, as a teacher and role model, to refrain from engaging in what they describe as a ‘vicious racial attack’ ... in front of her peers.”

The Appellate Division sustained a lower court’s dismissal of the Graham’s complaint, finding that the allegations “did not rise to the level of ‘extreme and outrageous conduct’ necessary to sustain such a claim.” The court explained its ruling by indicating that Birchler’s remarks, “considered in their entirety, were plainly intended to convey his strong disapproval of such epithets by exemplifying -- perhaps, too effectively -- the pain they can cause.”

One member of the appellate panel, Judge Cardona, dissented. He said that the Graham’s complaint should not have been dismissed by the trial court, noting that “although it does not appear that [Birchler] deliberately intended to cause harm to [Elizabeth], his disregard and invasion of her feelings and emotions was at the very least reckless.” The lesson here is that attempting to address cultural diversity issues in the classroom has the potential for polarizing the community and prompting legal action. Unfortunately, there is no simple formula that can be applied that will insulate educators from criticism or litigation in such situations.

As Judge Cardona noted in his dissenting opinion, “although I agree with the majority that an open exchange of ideas should be encouraged in a classroom setting, that goal must yield to the protection of one’s emotional well-being.” According to Judge Cardona, “the fact that [Birchler’s] remarks were used in the context of a classroom discussion allegedly for the purpose of spurring conversation about prejudice does not render them less objectionable.”
NYPPL