Los Angeles City College Sued Over Christian-Based Presentation in Speech Class

Jonathan Lopez has filed a lawsuit against a professor and Los Angeles City College over his treatment after giving a speech on the Christian view of marriage in speech class. Lopez alleges that Professor John Matteson had made it clear that he supported same-sex marriage. He claims that Matteson allegedly attacked him verbally, refused let him complete his speech, effectively called him a “fascist bastard” and refused to give him a grade (telling him to “ask God” for his grade).

Matteson is listed as the co-director of Forensics at the Speech Department.

The complaint in Lopez v. Candaele, (CD CA, filed 2/11/2009) was filed with the support of the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom, which litigates such claims. For a copy of the complaint, click here.

Lopez also alleges that Matteson told him that he would make sure that Lopez was expelled and told his entire class after the November election, “If you voted yes on Proposition 8, you are a fascist bastard.”

For the press release, click here.

For the full story, click here.