This suit tested the limits of what a professor should say to his students.

June Sheldon, who taught biology and chemistry in the San Jose Community College District for more than two decades, ran into some trouble over something she said (or maybe didn’t say) during a class about human heredity.

According to a student, Sheldon told the class that stress during pregnancy causes male homosexuality. The student also claimed Sheldon said there’s really no such thing as a true lesbian.

Sheldon said she merely mentioned the fact that one researcher had discovered a link between stress during pregnancy and the sexual orientation of males.

In any case, the district fired Sheldon after the student complained, and she sued.

Now the case has been settled, with the district agreeing to pay Sheldon $100,000.

What do you think of the settlement? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: academic freedom, free speech, San Jose Community College District