Free Speech Lawsuit filed after Fresno State professor wipes out pro-life message on video

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- On the Fresno State campus, the end of the school year is in sight, but for some students the fight for free speech is their only focus. In a now viral video provided by Students for Life of America, Bernadette Tasy faces off with a Fresno State professor.

Tasy is one of the founders and president of Fresno State Students for Life, whose messages were wiped away on camera.

"It was just something for the end of the year. We were supporting pregnant and parenting students on campus and so that's what the positive life affirming messages were for."

Those messages are listed in a lawsuit filed Thursday on behalf of Tasy and other students. The Alliance Defending Freedom is taking up a free speech fight against Professor William Greg Thatcher.

"When I asked him why he was doing it he said he was exercising his free speech rights by censoring ours," said Tasy.

In the video, Thatcher said the group's messages are only allowed in the free speech area. But Fresno State President Joseph Castro said that rule was overturned two years ago and now free speech is allowed on all outdoor spaces.

University officials also confirm the students did have permission for their chalk art project. And even though it's a hot button it's not the main focus of everyone here.

"My personal view is that there are bigger things going on in the world right now. And we're sitting here talking about chalk that was on the ground and it got wiped away," said Tylor Cooks, Fresno.

But Tasy hopes their message is heard loud and clear.

"University professors to be encouraging free speech on campus-- not censoring it."

We tried reaching out to Professor Thatcher multiple times but our calls were not returned.

The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages but it does not spell out how much.