Indian American professor, accused of religious preaching on human gender, reinstated by Texas College

indian american professor, accused of religious preaching on human gender, reinstated by texas college

Dr. Johnson Varkey, adjunct professor at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas.

In a major victory for Indian American professor Dr. Johnson Varkey, a biology professor who was terminated from his position has been reinstated after a year-long legal battle. The decision comes after he defended his religious liberty and filed a charge of discrimination against St. Philip’s College in Texas, US and the Alamo Community College District (ACCD) with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Professor Varkey, an adjunct professor with 22 years of experience, was illegally terminated in June last year for teaching the scientific understanding that X and Y chromosomes determine sex. Several members of Congress weighed in after the lawsuit was filed and called for Varkey to be reinstated.

“He is excited by this outcome, and we are glad that ACCD did the right thing. Dr. Varkey looks forward to continuing to educate students at ACCD,” Kayla Toney, Associate Counsel for First Liberty Institute, expressed satisfaction, stated.

Varkey was accused of engaging in “religious preaching

According to his lawyers, Varkey consistently taught the scientific principles related to human reproductive systems. Varkey was accused of engaging in “religious preaching, discriminatory comments about homosexuals and transgender individuals, anti-abortion rhetoric, and misogynistic banter.” Despite these allegations, his lawyers maintained that throughout his tenure, Varkey never discussed his personal views on human gender or sexuality with students.

As an adjunct professor, Varkey taught Human Anatomy and Physiology at St. Philip’s College to more than 1,500 students for 22 years, where he taught the same principles he was fired for this year. However, on November 28, 2022, four students walked out of his class after he reiterated the scientifically accepted concept that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes.

‘Varkey’s teachings based on extensive research and study’

In his defence Dr Varkey argued that the college’s actions constituted unlawful religious discrimination under the First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He asserted that Varkey, as a Christian and a professor, felt compelled to teach accurate and true concepts aligned with his extensive research and study in the field of human biology.

The reinstatement of Dr. Johnson Varkey comes after an intense legal battle, shedding light on the intersection of scientific teachings, religious beliefs, and academic freedom in educational institutions. Several members of Congress had also advocated for Varkey’s reinstatement during the course of the lawsuit.

Read more news like this on HindustanTimes.com

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Rishi Sunak Highlights Punjabi Heritage In Message, Trudeau Extends Greetings

In a greeting from 10 Downing Street on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned his Punjabi Indian origin, news agency PTI reported. The 43-year-old ... Read more »

What US easing sanctions on Venezuela, home to world’s largest oil reserves, could mean for India

This report is the second of a three-part series on recent Indian engagement in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. New Delhi: The US’ decision last month to ease ... Read more »

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine Actor and social worker Rajshri Deshpande won the Best Actor, Series (Female) award for Netflix’s ‘Trial By Fire’. ... Read more »

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People In its effort to take the Ram Janmabhoomi message to households across ... Read more »

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal is in critical condition and is on ventilator support, HT City reported, quoting sources. He has been ... Read more »

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details The Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for November 27 and 28 ... Read more »

Vistara Flights Diverted Due To Air Congestion At Delhi Airport | DETAILS

vistara flights diverted due to air congestion at delhi airport | details Delhi: Two Vistara flight has been diverted to Lucknow and Jaipur due to bad weather and air congestion ... Read more »
Top List in the World