Alabama State University v. Stacy Danley Stacy Danley v. Alabama State University

Summary

The court vacated the damages awards because Alabama's sovereign immunity barred the state-law and federal-law monetary claims against ASU and officials in their official capacities, and the contract backpay award was effectively an award against the State even as entered against officials individually. It also held that Knight and Harris were immune from the wrongful-withdrawal claim in their individual capacities under State-agent and qualified immunity doctrines, affirmed denial of ASU's counterclaim, and affirmed refusal to order reinstatement or attorney fees. Justice Murdock specially concurred, questioning the application of sovereign immunity to contractual obligations and recognizing possible limited reinstatement for procedural due process violations; Chief Justice Moore dissented from vacating the damages award on the breach-of-contract claim.