St. Philips College in San Antonio, Texas, has reportedly fired Professor Will Moravits for creating an uncomfortable environment by allowing open debate on topics such as homosexuality and policing.
Moravits' lawyer argues that the college should prioritize its role as an educational institution serving Texas taxpayers, rather than enforcing ideological orthodoxy.
The lawyer further claims that the college's actions are a violation of Moravits' First Amendment rights and the institution's own academic freedom policy.
According to Moravits, he informed his students that his class was a space where all opinions were welcomed and encouraged, but not required. He also gave students permission to excuse themselves from discussions if they felt uncomfortable.
However, despite having an agreement to teach through the spring 2024 semester, Moravits was removed from teaching after one student complained about feeling uncomfortable during class discussions.
The student who complained alleged that Moravits made derogatory statements about the LGBTQIA+ community, including associating it with pedophilia.
However, Moravits' attorney, along with two other students in his class, denied these allegations. They stated that Moravits treated every student with respect and did not make any crude remarks.
In response to the student's allegations, St. Philip's College escorted Moravits off campus with police and placed him on paid leave while they conducted an investigation.
The college later terminated Moravits, referring to it as a "non-renewal." When Moravits went to collect his belongings, the college had four police officers present to escort him off campus once again.
Kristi Wyatt, associate vice chancellor of communications and engagement, declined to comment on the matter, stating that the Alamo Colleges District does not discuss personnel issues or pending litigation.
Moravits is currently represented by attorney Michael Allen, with support from the Academic Freedom Alliance. Allen's goal is to reinstate Moravits to his full rights and duties as an instructor at St. Philip's Community College and to hold the college accountable for its actions.
He argues that the college's behavior is a violation of Moravits' First Amendment rights and the institution's own academic freedom policy.
This incident is not an isolated case at St. Philip's College. Last month, a biology professor was fired for teaching students that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes.
These incidents raise concerns about the college's commitment to academic freedom and its handling of controversial topics.
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