Biology Professor Files Suit After Being Fired for Answering Question on Homosexuality

San Jose, CA—A biology professor at San Jose City College filed a federal lawsuit late last week after she was terminated for statements the College decided were politically incorrect. The professor, June Sheldon, is being represented by attorneys for Pacific Justice Institute as co-counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom.

The lawsuit had its genesis in a class discussion last summer. While Sheldon was teaching a Human Heredity course, a student asked how heredity affects homosexuality in males and females. Professor Sheldon noted that this was a complex issue but referred to both the textbook and a noted German scientist who found a correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and later homosexual behavior in males. Professor Sheldon referenced the findings as one of many theories on the subject, noting that genes and environmental factors would also be discussed later in the textbook. Another student, upset by Sheldon’s approach to the subject, filed a complaint with the College, calling her comments “offensive and unscientific.” The College launched an investigation and terminated Sheldon in spite of its policies guaranteeing academic freedom.

This column is excerpted from a Pacific Justice Institute press release. Brad Dacus is the President of the Pacific Justice Institute.