Christina Axson-Flynn v. Xan Johnson

151 F. Supp. 2d 1326 (2001)

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Christina Axson-Flynn v. Xan Johnson

United States District Court for the District of Utah
151 F. Supp. 2d 1326 (2001)

  • Written by Mike Begovic, JD

Facts

Christina Axson-Flynn (plaintiff) was enrolled as an acting student at the University of Utah. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), Axson-Flynn made it clear while auditioning for the Actor Training Program (ATP) that she would not be comfortable using certain vulgar language because of her adherence to the Ten Commandments. Faculty in the program initially expressed willingness to accommodate Axson-Flynn, but over time faculty applied more pressure on her to shed this conviction, believing it was necessary for her growth and success as an actor. On at least one occasion, Axson-Flynn received a lower grade because she omitted certain language from a performance. At her end-of-semester review, Axson-Flynn was told by ATP faculty that she needed to get over her objection. ATP’s coordinator, Xan Johnson (defendant), also encouraged her to do so. In response, Axson-Flynn left the program and filed a suit against Johnson and other ATP faculty. Axson-Flynn brought a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and alleged that ATP had violated her First Amendment rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Johnson filed a motion for summary judgment.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Campbell, J.)

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