(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a bizarre higher education dispute, a 400-pound student has launched a $1 million lawsuit against his university, arguing that the school had refused to allow him to complete his physical education teaching virtually.
The 44-year-old David Lopez, who is contending with health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, has fulfilled all other requirements of the phys ed kinesiology program at Wayne State University, barring the student teaching component.
Lopez’s physical conditions reportedly hinder his ability to stand or walk for extended periods, The Detroit News reports, as cited by The College Fix.
Despite the school district where he was assigned for student teaching agreeing to his request for online teaching accommodations, Lopez claims that Wayne State University did not consent to this arrangement.
Lopez managed to complete the initial part of his student teaching with the assistance of a gym teacher and some informal accommodations.
However, he asserts that Wayne State instructed him not to continue with the second part of his assignment.
“They don’t think I fit the description of what a PE teacher was because I’m very overweight,” Lopez said.
“They didn’t want me to graduate with my certification because I didn’t fit what they perceived to be a gym teacher because of my size and because of my weight. There’s no doubt that was the reason why. There was no other reason. I passed everything,” he added.
Lopez felt compelled to pursue legal action when it became apparent that he would not receive his degree or teaching certification.
He recalled a professor’s suggestion to leave the university with a degree without the teaching certificate, based on the professor’s belief that Lopez was unqualified for a gym teaching role.
Despite acknowledging his limitations in participating in certain sports and activities, Lopez maintains that his weight does not diminish his capabilities as an educator.
Lopez’s passion for sports, particularly team sports, and his previous experience coaching after high school reflect his enthusiasm for teaching. However, his experience with Wayne State has significantly diminished his enjoyment of teaching.
Wayne State University has dismissed Lopez’s lawsuit as “frivolous,” stating that “there is no legal claim for weight discrimination against an educational institution.”
The university also clarified that it does not dictate the student teaching requirements set by school districts.
In Michigan, weight is recognized as a protected characteristic under the law, but only for employers, not educational institutions.
