Richard GARZIANO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO., Defendant-Appellant

GARZA, Circuit Judge.

This case concerns the operation and scope of qualified privilege available as a shield to a libel and slander action when an employer publishes a statement on company policy to its employees coupled with the company’s explanation for a former employee’s dismissal.

I

Richard Garziano, plaintiff-appellee, was employed at defendant-appellant Du Pont’s plant in DeLisle, Mississippi, as a maintenance technician from May 31, 1979 until July 21, 1981. Mr. Garziano was terminated in 1981 due to an alleged incident of sexual harassment.

On Friday, July 17, 1981, Garziano and another…