Conservative Professor Wins $2.4 Million Settlement After Alleged Retaliation from College District

Former Bakersfield College professor Matthew Garrett has won a $2.4 million settlement from the Kern Community College District after years of legal battles over allegations of retaliation for questioning partisan policies and wasteful expenditures.

Former Bakersfield College professor Matthew Garrett has emerged victorious in a prolonged legal battle against the Kern Community College District (KCCD), securing a substantial $2.4 million settlement. The years-long dispute stemmed from allegations of retaliation against Garrett for expressing concerns over the misuse of grant funds for social justice initiatives on campus.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Garrett expressed his gratitude for the support he received during the arduous ordeal. He hailed the settlement as a triumph, encouraging fellow faculty members to remain resolute in their pursuit of free speech.

Conservative Professor Wins $2.4 Million Settlement After Alleged Retaliation from College District

Garrett's lawsuit, filed in 2021, detailed instances of retaliation by school officials against him and a colleague for questioning the allocation of grant money. He further claimed that he and other faculty members were subjected to false allegations after raising concerns at a campus diversity meeting in October 2022.

Despite vehement denials of wrongdoing, the district Board of Trustees voted to fire Garrett in April 2023, citing alleged "immoral and unprofessional conduct." The professor promptly contested the suspension in court, leading to the settlement agreement reached last month.

Conservative Professor Wins $2.4 Million Settlement After Alleged Retaliation from College District

Under the terms of the settlement, the district agreed to pay Garrett $2.4 million as compensation for alleged general and emotional distress damages, as well as attorney fees. The settlement also includes a one-time payment of $154,520.00 for back wages and medical benefits.

As part of the settlement, Garrett agreed to resign from his district position. Administrators also consented to withdraw reports and accusations of unprofessional conduct from Garrett's record, shielding him from any negative consequences on his personnel file.

Conservative Professor Wins $2.4 Million Settlement After Alleged Retaliation from College District

The settlement agreement explicitly states that it is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability by either party. A district spokesperson for KCCD shared a statement with Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the dispute with Garrett was solely a disciplinary matter and did not involve issues of freedom of speech.

KCCD maintains its commitment to upholding the freedom of speech for students and faculty, providing an environment for the open exchange of ideas. The district believes that the settlement allows it to focus on delivering quality higher education without further legal disruptions.

Garrett's victory has sparked renewed discussions about the breakdown of free speech on college campuses. Critics argue that academia's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has resulted in the suppression of diverse viewpoints.

Supporters of free speech believe that universities should be platforms for robust debate and critical inquiry, where all perspectives are welcome and respected. They contend that the suppression of dissenting opinions undermines the pursuit of truth and the exchange of ideas that is essential for intellectual growth.

Garrett's case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding free speech on college campuses. Universities should foster an environment where ideas are challenged and debated, even if they are uncomfortable or unpopular. The pursuit of truth and the expansion of knowledge depend on the free exchange of diverse perspectives and the willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.