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Adjunct professor under fire sues Hamline University for religious discrimination, defamation

Muslim students express concerns over course content
Muslim students express concerns over course content 02:20

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- An adjunct professor who showed an image of the Prophet Muhammad at a Hamline University art history class, resulting in national attention, is suing the university.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Dr. Erika López Prater alleges religious discrimination and defamation, claiming that Hamline's actions and statements caused Prater significant emotional distress.

RELATED: Image of Prophet Muhammad shown in Hamline University art class, sparking discussions on academic freedom

Dr. López Prater says her personal and professional reputation -- including future employment aspects -- has been "irreparably harmed."

Comments from Hamline referring to Dr. López Prater's conduct as "undeniably Islamophobic" could potentially harm her ability to obtain a tenure-track position at an institution of higher education, the lawsuit claims.

Click here to view the full lawsuit.

The Hamline University Board of Trustees Chair Ellen Watters and President Fayneese Miller released a joint statement addressing the lawsuit.

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