California college instructor disputes ACLU claims that he substituted religion for science

Calif. college instructor defends course content

FRESNO, Calif. — A California instructor disputes student claims that he presented his religious views on homosexuality, abortion and global warming in class as fact.

The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to the Fresno City College earlier this month, complaining that health science instructor Bradley Lopez was violating state laws prohibiting religious indoctrination at public schools.

The group says it was acting on behalf of two students.

Lopez held a news conference Thursday, saying his teaching methods fall “within the scope of health science,” including assigning students to research the Bible for Jesus’ genetic makeup.

He says the letter is the first complaint against him in his 18-year career.

A Fresno City College spokeswoman declined comment.

Information from: The Fresno Bee, www.fresnobee.com