A biology professor at St. Philip's College in San Antonio, Texas, has been dismissed for explaining that biological sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes. Dr. Johnson Varkey, who had taught at the college for two decades without incident, was terminated in January 2023 following student complaints. The First Liberty Institute, a legal organization specializing in religious liberty cases, has taken up Dr. Varkey's cause, demanding his reinstatement. The institute's letter to the college emphasizes that Dr. Varkey's teachings on human reproduction and sex determination have been consistent throughout his 20-year tenure and were aligned with standard biological principles.
Four students left Dr. Varkey's class after he explained the chromosomal basis of sex determination. (Martin Schutt)
St. Philip's College dismissed Dr. Varkey for teaching about X and Y chromosomes. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Despite using approved curriculum, the college deemed Dr. Varkey's teaching religious. (iStock)
Student complaints accused Dr. Varkey of making discriminatory remarks and expressing personal opinions beyond the scope of academic freedom. However, the college's assertion that his teaching was religious contradicts his use of established, science-based curriculum. First Liberty argues that Dr. Varkey's instruction is grounded in his scientific expertise and religious convictions, but he has consistently refrained from sharing personal views on gender or sexuality with students. According to First Liberty, Dr. Varkey has taught over 1,500 students at St. Philip’s College over 22 years, consistently presenting the same biological principles. The institute contends that the college's actions constitute unlawful religious discrimination under the First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing Dr. Varkey's belief in teaching accurate scientific concepts. Keisha Russell, Counsel for First Liberty Institute, finds the college's decision absurd, given Dr. Varkey's long and successful teaching record based on accepted scientific principles. She calls for his immediate reinstatement, asserting that the college violated his constitutional and statutory rights.
