A former adjunct professor at Hamline University has settled a federal lawsuit claiming religious discrimination after she was fired for showing a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in class. The terms of the settlement are sealed, and both parties have declined to comment.
Erika López Prater, a professor of art history, was let go from her position in 2022 after she showed a 14th-century painting of the Prophet Muhammad to her students as part of a lesson on Islamic art.
While she warned students beforehand and provided an opt-out option, one student complained that the warning did not adequately prepare them for the image.
The university’s then-president, Fayneese Miller, described López Prater as “Islamophobic” for showing the image, sparking a debate over balancing academic freedom with respect for religion. Miller later apologized and conceded that she mishandled the situation.
López Prater’s attorneys argued that the university would have treated her differently if she were Muslim. The settlement brings an end to the lawsuit, which was filed in 2023.
The controversy highlights the challenges of teaching about diverse cultures and religions in academic settings, and the importance of respecting students’ beliefs while also promoting open dialogue and critical thinking.
