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The University of Louisville has reportedly agreed to a nearly $1.6 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by a former professor. Dr. Allan Josephson claimed he was terminated for voicing concerns about transgender treatments for children experiencing gender dysphoria. The payout underscores ongoing debates surrounding free speech and medical ethics in academic settings.
University of Louisville Settles Lawsuit Over Transgender Treatment Criticism
Dr. Allan Josephson, formerly the chief of the University of Louisville’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, has reached a settlement with the university following his dismissal. The dispute centered on his public critiques of certain approaches to treating gender dysphoria in minors.
Josephson’s Tenure and Subsequent Demotion
Josephson served for approximately 15 years as the division’s chief. According to his legal complaint, he significantly improved the division’s performance during his leadership. His annual reviews from 2014 to 2016 reflected high marks.
However, the complaint states that Josephson experienced a demotion in 2017. This allegedly occurred after he, acting in his personal capacity, questioned the promotion of hormone therapy and surgical interventions for young individuals grappling with gender dysphoria. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a legal group, represented Josephson in his case.
Free Speech Victory
ADF announced the settlement agreement on Monday, characterizing the outcome as a significant triumph for free speech principles.
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In a released statement, Josephson expressed relief: “I’m glad to finally receive vindication for voicing what I know is true. Children deserve better than life-altering procedures that mutilate their bodies and destroy their ability to lead fulfilling lives. In spite of the circumstances I suffered through with my university, I’m overwhelmed to see that my case helped lead the way for other medical practitioners to see the universal truth that altering biological sex is impossibly dangerous while acceptance of one’s sex leads to flourishing.”
Events Preceding the Termination
Heritage Foundation Panel Discussion
The legal complaint details that the controversy began in October 2017. Josephson participated in a panel discussion about transgender ideology, hosted by the conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation. During this event, he voiced concerns about the influence of gender ideology activism on medical care for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Pressure from University Officials
Following Josephson’s remarks, officials from the university’s LGBT center reportedly pressured his division to take disciplinary measures against him.
Expert Witness Testimony
Further scrutiny arose after Josephson served as an expert witness in a legal case concerning a school district’s bathroom policies related to gender identity.
Colleague Objections and Disciplinary Action
The complaint alleges that several of Josephson’s colleagues, disagreeing with his views, advocated for administrative disciplinary action. Consequently, the university informed Josephson that he was being demoted from his position as division chief to a lower-ranking faculty role.
Allegations of Retaliation and Contract Non-Renewal
Damaged Reputation and Reduced Compensation
The complaint further asserts that university administrators subjected Josephson to consistent criticism and degradation. This, he claimed, inflicted substantial damage to his professional standing and career. His salary and benefits were allegedly reduced before the university informed him in February 2019 that his contract would not be renewed, effectively terminating his employment.
Lawsuit and First Amendment Rights
Josephson contested his termination by filing a lawsuit against the university the subsequent month. He argued that the university “retaliated” against him for expressing his opinions, violating his First Amendment rights as well as his rights to due process and equal protection under the law.
Settlement and Stipulated Dismissal
After a six-year legal process, which culminated in a favorable settlement for Josephson, Alliance Defending Freedom filed a stipulated dismissal of the case on Monday, according to court records.
ADF’s Perspective
“Hopefully, other public universities will learn from this that if they violate the First Amendment, they can be held accountable, and it can be very expensive,” stated Travis Barham, Senior Counsel at ADF.
University of Louisville’s Response
The University of Louisville has not released a public statement regarding the settlement.