(St. Paul, MN) — A former adjunct art instructor who showed images of the Prophet Muhammad in class is suing Hamline University. Attorneys for Erika Lopez Prater announced yesterday that she is suing the school for defamation, religious discrimination, and breach of contract. Shortly after the announcement, Hamline’s president backed off a previous statement calling the classroom incident Islamophopic. The university decided not to renew Lopez Prater’s contract for the spring semester following a student complaint about Lopez Prater’s actions. The decision pushed the school into the national spotlight in a debate over academic freedom and religious tolerance.
Former Hamline Adjunct Art Instructor Suing University
About the Author: Ashley Hanley
Ashley (Goettl) Hanley is a North Mankato native and Mankato West graduate who made the switch from TV journalism to radio.
After five years at KEYC News 12, Ashley is thrilled to be working for KTOE News. Ashley and her husband John, and son John, enjoy spending time in the community. You can also find Ashley coaching and playing softball and supporting her brother on the MSU football team and her sister with Scarlet athletics.
Even though she went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Ashley kept her Minnesota roots and is a big Twins and Vikings fan!