Joseph Corlett claims his essay was an expression of free speech.
/ File
A Detroit-area college student has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit after being kicked out of school for what he claims was an expression of free speech.
Joseph Corlett, 57, was escorted from his critical writing class by Oakland University Police just days after submitting an essay entitled, "Hot for Teacher." In the essay, the non-traditional student writes about his overwhelming attraction to his teacher and his inability concentrate due to the "sexy little mole" above her lip. READ MORE
In a lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit, Corlett claims Oakland University violated his rights to free speech and freedom of expression. He is suing the college for more than $2.2 million.
Corlett says students were told by the teacher to express their creativity in the free-writing assignment and that no topics were off-limits. According to the lawsuit, Corlett says the teacher told students she wanted "the raw stuff."
The university has yet to comment on the pending litigation.
In January, Corlett was ordered by the college to appear at a conduct hearing. The conduct committee found that his essay constituted "intimidating behavior." He was later banned from campus and not permitted to take any classes until showing proof of taking sensitivity counseling.
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