Johnson v. Baylor University

OPINION

BILL VANCE, Justice.

Introduction and Background

Vernon Johnson sued Baylor University, asserting four causes of action. Baylor obtained summary judgment; Johnson appeals. We will affirm in part and reverse and remand in part.

Johnson, a pilot working for Baylor from 1992 to 1994, was fired for chronic obesity and poor grammar and diction, which Baylor believed diminished its image to people who flew on Baylor’s aircraft. Baylor’s president at the time, Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds, however, repeatedly praised Johnson’s skills as a pilot. In August 1997 (while his discrimination suit 1 against…