Homophobic Student Wins One Dollar in Free-Speech Lawsuit Against Teacher

HOWELL - A judge says the free speech rights of a Michigan teenager were violated when he expressed an opinion against homosexuality and was removed from class during an anti-bullying day.

Detroit federal Judge Patrick Duggan on Wednesday ruled in favor of Daniel Glowacki and ordered Howell High School teacher Johnson "Jay" McDowell to pay $1.

McDowell admits that he ejected Glowacki from class in 2010 when the student said he doesn't accept gays because of his religion. McDowell had played a short video about someone who committed suicide after being bullied about his sexual orientation.

The judge says Glowacki was protected by the First Amendment, and the teacher was "primarily motivated' by his disagreement with the student's views.

McDowell was reprimanded by the Howell district. Glowacki graduated in 2012.