A Texas college professor who said he was fired after university leaders reportedly found his teachings too "religious" has been reinstated to his position more than a year after being terminated. Dr. Johnson Varkey and his attorneys at First Liberty Institute recently announced Varkey has won his adjunct professorial job back at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas, after being fired in 2023 "for teaching standard principles about human biology and reproduction."
The announcement comes after a "favorable settlement" was reached with the Alamo Community College District; the school system voluntarily reinstated Varkey. "I was so excited," the professor told CBN News after the announcement. "And thank the Lord for that outcome." Varkey said he's grateful to First Liberty and to God for helping him get back his position. "I am excited to go back and teach," he said.
As CBN News previously reported, a biology professor for the past 20 years, Varkey consistently taught the same facts about the human reproductive system without any problems. But that changed last year when he received a notice of dismissal. "I was surprised and I was shocked, because, you know, never expected for such a letter from, or such an email from, the school because I've been teaching that for that school for the last 20 years and without any complaints," he said.
Varkey believes his lessons on human biology and sex being determined by chromosomes X and Y sparked complaints leading to his dismissal. But, after pushing back and filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that is still under review, he could return to the classroom as soon as this spring. The professor said he hopes his successful quest to fight for his job will inspire other Christians who might face similar issues and barriers. "I would say, don't quit, because there are people very supportive just like First Liberty," he said, urging people to be brave and take a stand. "Stand for the truth."