Lester v. Powers

Jane Powers (defendant), a student, took an abnormal psychology course from Professor Lewis Lester (plaintiff), during which Lester questioned classifying homosexuality as a psychological disorder; Powers, who was gay, read his tone as disapproving of gay people and later complained to the college administration. After Powers graduated, a tenure committee reviewing Lester solicited alumni letters, and Powers, with the administration's approval to respond late, wrote expressing her personal view that Lester was homophobic, offensive, insensitive, and occasionally intimidating. The committee denied Lester tenure, relying heavily on Powers's letter. Lester sued Powers for defamation; the trial court granted Powers summary judgment based on qualified privilege, and Lester appealed.