Judge Rules Against Teacher in Creationism Case
Monday, May 4, 2009 | Updated 1:36 PM PDT
Corbett, a 20-year teaching veteran, remains at Capistrano Valley High School.
Oh ye of little faith.
A federal judge has ruled that a history teacher at a Southern California public high school violated the First Amendment when he called creationism "superstitious nonsense" during a classroom lecture.
U.S. District Judge James Selna issued the ruling Friday after a 16-month legal battle between student Chad Farnan and his former teacher, James Corbett. Farnan sued in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana in 2007, alleging that Corbett made more than 20 statements that were disparaging to Christians and their beliefs.
The judge found in the student's favor on just one statement.
In that instance, Corbett referred to creationism as "religious, superstitious nonsense" during a classroom lecture.
Another court hearing will determine whether damages will be awarded and whether Corbett will be prohibited from making hostile remarks about religion.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Bay Area
