The right to free speech is guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, an indication of the importance the Founding Fathers assigned to this fundamental freedom. Ever since the Constitution became operational in 1789, however, there have been spikes in threats to that bedrock principle of our democracy. College campuses are a current hotbed of free speech struggles, and faculty members often see themselves at the center of the fray. When public universities and colleges restrict free speech, it is a form of government censorship.

In a recent case at Texas A&M University, Joy Alonzo, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, was placed on administrative leave after accusations that she had disparaged Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a March lecture about the Texas opioid crisis several years ago. Alonzo joins other professors at schools across the U.S. who have seen their careers threatened because someone in power didn't like what they were saying. One of the oddest aspects of the case: Alonzo never said Patrick's name—she only referred to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. In the end, she was back at her job in three weeks, and there were no permanent sanctions. But other professors have not fared as well, and the repeated challenges to free speech can have a chilling effect on academic discourse.

What is at Stake When Faculty Members Face Sanctions for Their Commentary

Although Alonzo's case was comparatively mild, she still had to deal with the stress of an investigation into whether she should be fired and the notoriety that comes with it, and she was suddenly pulled away from her work for three weeks. If an investigation and suspension drag on, even if the findings are in favor of the faculty member, the career damage can be significant: Missing important conferences and departmental meetings and not being able to fulfill teaching responsibilities are among the issues. Faculty members without the protection of tenure may be particularly at risk. Long-term damage may include a reduced likelihood of promotion and fewer job prospects because of the taint of the accusations. And if the findings go against the faculty member, the career they worked years or decades to build can evaporate.

How the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm Can Assist You

If you're a faculty member facing sanctions for exercising your right to free speech, you understand what is at stake. And you should also know that you are not alone in the struggle.

At the Lento Law Firm, our Education Law Team has years of experience helping faculty members at higher education institutions across the nation prevail in the fight to protect this most fundamental Constitutional right. Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Education Law Team have extensive experience navigating the often-byzantine bureaucracies of colleges and universities, and while they are assertive and thorough in making your case, they take an approach that puts cooperation over aggression.

Your academic career and reputation should not be threatened because you exercised one of your most fundamental rights. Secure the legal defense you deserve from the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. Call us today at 888.535.3686 (or contact us online) to get started.