In a major victory for free speech advocates, former Bakersfield College professor Matthew Garrett has secured a substantial $2.4 million settlement following his wrongful dismissal over baseless racial discrimination claims. Garrett, who had been tenured at the community college, found himself ousted last year after a contentious period that highlighted the growing intolerance for conservative viewpoints on college campuses.
Garrett’s troubles began in 2019, a year marked by increasing censorship and political correctness at universities across the nation. The former professor faced severe backlash after publicly criticizing the teaching methods of Dr. Paula Parks, a fellow faculty member. Dr. Parks, a black woman, was reportedly the target of Garrett’s critique concerning her survey on “racial stress,” “race-based physical aggression,” and “microaggressions.”
This critique led to accusations of racial discrimination against Garrett, with some students alleging that his remarks were rooted in personal hatred and racism. However, as investigations unfolded, it became clear that these allegations were unfounded. Garrett’s criticism of Dr. Parks was primarily focused on her pedagogical approach and not motivated by racial animus.
The settlement, which includes $2,245,480 to be paid in monthly installments over 20 years and an immediate $154,520 for back wages and medical benefits, comes as a significant relief to Garrett. In a statement to *The College Fix*, Garrett expressed gratitude for the resolution and criticized the Kern Community College District (KCCD) for what he described as “flagrant retaliation” for his outspoken defense of free speech.
“After five years of administrative misconduct, a decisive courtroom display exonerated me of all allegations,” Garrett said. “The KCCD faced an inevitable ruling in my favor and chose to settle rather than pay millions in damages. I’m thankful to everyone who supported me through this ordeal.”
Garrett’s victory is a beacon of hope for other conservative academics struggling under the weight of increasingly leftist-dominated university systems. He urged his colleagues to remain steadfast, declaring, “Keep the faith; we are winning the battle, one case at a time.”
Garrett’s experiences underscore the broader issues facing conservatives in academia, where emotional and ideological biases often overshadow evidence and reason. Reflecting on this, Garrett remarked, “Call me old-fashioned, but I believe in truth and evidence-based reasoning. In an age of emotional incontinence, we must remember that while feelings matter, they cannot displace facts.”
Looking ahead, Garrett plans to channel his energy into productive endeavors. He aims to develop a Native American history course to meet California’s new Ethnic Studies requirements, leveraging his expertise in the field. Additionally, he intends to continue advocating for free speech and institutional transparency. His future projects include addressing campus radicalism and campaigning for supportive candidates, alongside writing a comprehensive guide on navigating and overcoming campus censorship.
As Tom Cruise and other high-profile figures navigate their own controversies, Garrett’s legal win serves as a reminder that truth and principled stands against ideological oppression can indeed lead to justice. His story is a testament to the resilience of those who dare to challenge prevailing orthodoxy in our educational institutions.
