I wanted to learn more about the case. It is a lot more damaging to the professor than in the AP news report that Eric linked to. Here is the link to law.com, which has a very good summation of the case.

It is important to note the appellate court's findings

As a teacher at a state university, Young was a state actor vested with considerable authority over his students, the panel found.

Further, his "Monica" remarks lacked any "legitimate pedagogical purpose that might merit the kind of First Amendment protection that has long been recognized in the academic arena," the court wrote.

The man relentlessly harassed this young woman, even though she had asked him on numerous times to stop.

Young's conduct was not limited to the "Monica" moniker. He allegedly opened virtually every Tuesday morning class session by asking Hayut, in front of the entire class, "How was your weekend with Bill?"

The plaintiff alleged that two other times in class Young told Hayut to "be quiet, Monica. I will give you a cigar later."

Hayut contends that she asked the professor to stop, but he ignored her. The references led other students to mockingly address the student as "Monica" outside the class, according to the decision.

Ms. Hayut (the victim, yes the victim here) took all the appropriate actions - went to the University Administration, etc. But it was too late. Her studies suffered because of the incredible humiliation she was going thru - at this point, not just by the asshat professor, but by fellow students.

The Appellate Court was correct, and perhaps after reading more info on the case, even Eric might agree.