Christian Cortez Pérez, a graduate of the Universidad Autònoma de Baja California in Ensenada, Mexico, is taking legal action against his university for threatening to ban him from practicing psychology following his graduation speech. During the speech, he shared his Biblical beliefs about family and the sanctity of life.

In June, Cortez Pérez delivered the commencement address at his graduation for the Universidad Autònoma de Baja California’s School of Medicine and Psychology. In his speech, he called for the rejection of the redefinition of the family and radical gender ideology, saying: 

“Today we are deep into a real anthropological struggle to redefine the human being, the human person, man, through the implementation of ideologies and fashions of thought that always end up undermining dignity and freedom.”

Using the G.K. Chesterton quote, “People do not know what they are doing because they do not know what they are undoing,” Cortez Pérez lamented the destruction of the family. “To attack life and the family is to self-destruct,” he added. “It is an attack on civilization itself.”

Cortez Pérez then called on his peers to love one another. “You have to love,” he said. “No one seeks the good of the other if he does not love him.”

While he was speaking, some students and professors began protesting and walked out of the graduation ceremony.

Later, some professors issued a “manifesto” calling on the university to sanction Christian’s so-called “hate speech” by withholding his academic degree and professional license; withdrawing his merit award; and alerting psychology associations across Mexico regarding his actions.  

Cortez Pérez was informed on Aug. 4 that the university had initiated proceedings against him. In response, he submitted a counterclaim, with the help of ADF International.

“I am filing a counterclaim to protect my rightful interests, but also to take a stand in defense of the free speech rights of every student,” Cortez Pérez explained. “To be clear, I recognize that some may not agree with the content of my speech, but that’s what free speech is all about. Everyone should be able to peacefully share their views at university, without fear of punishment or retaliation. 

“I exercised my fundamental right to free speech to address my classmates about what I believe are the most pressing issues of our time,” he added. “Now, I stand to lose my entire professional career because I expressed views with which some students and faculty disagree. 

“Public universities must respect the free speech rights of all students, and I am committed to obtaining justice not just for myself, but for all Mexicans interested in preserving the right to freely express themselves.”

A judgment from the university is expected on Sept. 18.

Photo: Courtesy of ADF International