Billy D. Buford, Plaintiff-appellent, v. Charles Leck, Defendant-appellee, 991 F.2d 805 (10th Cir. 1993)

After examining the briefs and the appellate record, this three-judge panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not be of material assistance in the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a); 10th Cir.R. 34.1.9. The cause is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Mr. Buford, a federal inmate and pro se litigator, appeals a decision dismissing his complaint as frivolous. We grant permission to proceed in forma pauperis and affirm.

Mr. Buford brought this action for violation of his federal constitutional rights pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331. See Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Federal Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). Mr. Buford alleged a correctional officer made demeaning racial comments. Specifically, the corrections officer allegedly said: "Buford, how long have you been black? And has it been all of your life that you've known it or part of it?" Mr. Buford asked $80,000 in damages.

The district court, reasoning that the use of vile language, no matter how abhorrent or reprehensible, does not constitute a constitutional deprivation, dismissed the complaint as frivolous.

Mr. Buford appeals this decision asserting he was denied due process by the district court's dismissal.

We note that we do not condone the racially derogatory remarks allegedly made by the respondent. Nevertheless, to have his case heard in federal court, Mr. Buford must allege a violation of a constitutionally protected right. Because Mr. Buford's suit is a Bivens action against a federal official, the law under § 1983 is not directly applicable. "Nevertheless section 1983 suits and Bivens actions are conceptually identical, and federal courts frequently look to section 1983 to fill gaps left by Bivens. " Grandbouche v. Clancy, 825 F.2d 1463, 1465 (10th Cir. 1987). Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, this court has held that words alone, no matter how reprehensible, are not sufficient to state a constitutional deprivation. Collins v. Cundy, 603 F.2d 825, 827 (10th Cir. 1979).

Mr. Buford responds on appeal by asserting that medical "harm resulted both physically and mentally from the racial and bigoted statements inflicted" and the racial statements "caused physical injury indirectly."

The fact that Mr. Buford may have been physically and mentally wounded by defendant's remarks does not elevate defendant's speech to the status of a deprivation of Mr. Buford's constitutional rights. A vile, reprehensible, and detestable racial slur made on one isolated occasion does not violate an individual's constitutional rights entitling him to monetary relief.

The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.