Lofft v. State Board of Higher Education

Plaintiff, a former employe of defendant, brought this action under the Oregon Tort Claims Act (OTCA), ORS 30.260 to ORS 30.300, and 42 USC § 1983. He alleged that defendant violated his civil rights when it terminated his employment; he sought reinstatement, back pay and, under 42 USC § 1988, attorney fees. The trial court ruled that, in addition to the civil rights violation claim, plaintiffs complaint stated a cause of action for breach of contract and held that defendant breached plaintiffs employment contract when it discharged him without giving him one year’s notice that the contract…