CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is apologizing for criticizing one of her students in an open e-mail to the class.

One of Elyse Crystall's students made statements about opposing homosexuality. Crystall, who teaches literature and cultural diversity at the university, sent an e-mail to her class calling it "hate speech."

Crystall apologized in another e-mail saying she had crossed the line and inhibited free discussion.

Congressman Walter Jones is asking for an investigation by state and federal officials.