Instructor Placed on Leave in Alleged Sex Harassment

A College of the Canyons speech instructor has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation into allegations he encouraged students to engage in sexually explicit discussions.

“Dr. Fred Martin has been placed on paid administrative leave,” said Phil Hartley, vice president of instruction at the college. “This is to allow for a thorough and fair investigation of the complaint filed by a student.”

The 19-year-old student, sophomore Kelly Friscia, accused Martin of creating an atmosphere of verbal sexual harassment in an educational setting. Friscia claims such “a hostile learning environment” is in violation of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.

Martin, 64, teaches a speech class at the Valencia two-year college. On Feb. 8, Friscia alleged that a male student gave a sexually explicit speech on how to perform oral sex on a woman. Afterward, Friscia said, Martin congratulated the student.

In an interview, Martin said the assignment was to give a “how-to” speech.

“The assignment was . . . how to do a simple task,” Martin said. “Such topics as how to make a peanut butter sandwich, to wax a snowboard, or how to give CPR to an animal.”

Any students who were offended could simply leave the classroom, Martin said. He added that he did not interrupt the speech on oral sex because, “If I stop him from speaking, I’m infringing on his rights.” Martin said his comments on the speech fell short of congratulations.

“When the student finished I said, ‘Very difficult topic, more suited for a male stag smoker. I cannot grade you poorly on your delivery.’ That was it.” Friscia’s attorney, Gloria Allred, said she was pleased that Martin was placed on leave.

“I think that it shows the college is taking it seriously and is conducting an investigation,” Allred said. “We are looking forward to the outcome of the investigation. If it concludes there is merit to Kelly’s allegation, then the college should take appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the college’s policy against sexual harassment and consistent with state law.”

Martin has been a teacher for 25 years and has taught at College of the Canyons for three years.