Fresno Prof Created Antigay Environment

Officials at Fresno City College in California found that a health science instructor created a hostile learning environment for students by making remarks that insulted gay people and teaching antigay views as facts.

The college made the determination in response to complaints from two students, who filed a petition to start an investigation against Brad Lopez last fall. Jacqueline Mahaffey and Jay Matthews alleged that Lopez taught his personal beliefs as fact and science.

According to the FCC student newspaper The Rampage, "Christopher Villa, Vice President of Student Services, wrote in the letter that Lopez violated several rules, including Administrative Rule 3430 which prohibits 'insulting comments directed at a group based on sexual orientation;' engaging in indoctrination, as well as the presentation of irrelevant material. 'Dr. Lopez further violated District policy by teaching religious material,' Villa also wrote in the letter."

Lopez maintains that he has done nothing wrong and that he is protected by academic freedom policies.

The college said it would take "appropriate actions to address the violations of policy and regulations," although the punishment for Lopez remains undetermined, according to The Rampage.