Employment — public employment — whistleblower provisions

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Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Civil

Employment — public employment — whistleblower provisions

Steven Kinzel appeals from a circuit court’s order granting summary judgment in favor of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and dismissing Kinzel’s amended complaint on the merits. Kinzel argues that the content of an e-mail that Kinzel sent to his co-workers and superiors was “lawfully disclosing information” and thus met the threshold requirements for bringing a whistleblower action under Wis. Stat. § 230.90(2) (2011-12). Because we conclude that the content of Kinzel’s e-mail does not meet the definition of “information” under Wis. Stat. § 230.90(1)(d), we affirm the circuit court’s order granting summary judgment. Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

2012AP1586 Kinzel v. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

Dist IV, Dane County, Niess, J., Kloppenburg, J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Olson, Jeff Scott, Madison; For Respondent: Kilpatrick, Steven C., Madison; Benedon, Carrie M., Madison