Mitchell v. Univ. of Ky.
Annotate this CaseAppellant Michael Mitchell, who had a valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon, was employed at the University of Kentucky medical center when hospital administrators reported that Mitchell had a firearm in his employee locker. Police discovered a firearm in Mitchell's vehicle. The university then terminated Mitchell's employment for violation of its policy prohibiting possession of a deadly weapon on university property or while conducting university business. Mitchell filed suit against Appellees, the University of Kentucky and several of its employees and entities (collectively UK), claiming UK terminated his employment in violation of public policy. The circuit court granted summary judgment in favor of UK. The Supreme Court reversed, holding (1) Mitchell's discharge was contrary to a fundamental and well-defined public policy, i.e., the right to bear arms as evidenced by the Kentucky Revised Statutes; (2) an explicit legislative statement prohibited Mitchell's discharge, and the reason for Mitchell's discharge was his exercise of a right conferred by well-established legislative enactments; and (3) therefore, UK was not entitled to summary judgment. Remanded.
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