San Jose college professor files suit over firing

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A former adjunct biology professor is suing San Jose City College district for firing her because she told a class about the work of a German scientist who maintains that stress during a mother's pregnancy can cause male homosexuality. June Sheldon alleges in the federal district court suit filed Wednesday that the district's board of trustees violated her rights to academic freedom and due process in February when it voted to end her four-year career at City College after a student complained about the comments. Sheldon, of Soquel, says she brought up the scientist's research as part of her response to another student's question about the link between homosexuality and heredity. The college district's lawyer did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday. Unique content, exceptional value.... [read full story]