California College Settles Free Speech Lawsuit with Conservative Professor for $2.4 Million

Matthew Garrett claims retaliation for questioning social justice initiatives; district denies wrongdoing.

Matthew Garrett, a former professor at Bakersfield College, sued Kern Community College District in 2021.
Garrett alleged retaliation after questioning the use of grant money for social justice programs.
The settlement includes a $2.4 million payment to Garrett for damages and legal fees.
Garrett agreed to resign and the district will remove negative records from his file.
The district maintains the dispute was a disciplinary matter unrelated to free speech.