http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/080-4797.htmlSaturday, 15 January 2000
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Mormon studying to be an actress is
suing the University of Utah, claiming she was drummed out of
the drama program for refusing to deliver lines containing profanity.
Christina Axson-Flynn, 20, says faculty members violated her right
to religious freedom. Her lawsuit, filed Thursday, seeks unspecified
damages.
Axson-Flynn was asked during her audition whether she would be
uncomfortable in any performing situations. She said she would
feel uncomfortable ``taking the Lord's name in vain'' and ``saying
the F-word.''
After she was accepted by the program, Axson-Flynn asked if she
could substitute words in a scene that contained language she
found inappropriate. According to the lawsuit, a faculty member
told her to ``get over'' her inhibition and said she could use
profanity and ``still be a good Mormon.''
Axson-Flynn alleges she was eventually told to leave the program.
Her lawyer, James McConkie, said requiring her to use profanity
would be like telling a Jewish student taking a cooking course
that he would have to eat pork.
University spokesman Fred Esplin said the theater department disputes
the allegations.
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