Politics always prompts a host of differing opinions to be expressed. Debates on political, ethical, and moral views have always been central to higher education. The role of colleges and universities has traditionally been to encourage students to think freely, explore ideas, have their opinions challenged, and navigate this all in a safe and respectful environment. College professors are known to voice their opinions, often being experts in the subject areas and writing their own books on the subjects they teach.

But now, students and teachers alike are under fire for sharing their views on politics and the state of the nation. Teachers are being fired left and right, and students face disciplinary action for comments made in what was supposedly a safe space. If you are a student or professor facing disciplinary action at your university for practicing your right to free speech, the Lento Law Firm can help. Let us defend your place at your institution; call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

Mississippi Professor Fired for Post-Election Comments

Millsaps College fired one of its professors for sharing his views on the state of the country following President Trump's electoral victory. The professor, James Bowley, sent an email to the three remaining students in his Abortions and Religions class, stating there would be no class that day because he “need[s] time to mourn and process this racist and fascist country.” Bowley was immediately suspended for using his Millsaps email account to “share personal opinions with [his] students” – a supposed electronic communications offense not detailed in any Millsaps policies or handbooks. His suspension and subsequent fight for reinstatement were riddled with due process violations.

Arkansas Governor to Fire Professors Who “Indoctrinate” Students

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced she would be launching an attack on any college professor who is “indoctrinating” students. Huckabee Sanders said that there is no place in higher education for students to be "bombarded with anti-American, historically illiterate woke nonsense," and any professor doing so will be immediately terminated. Those in higher education and civil liberties groups fear that the policy will deny due process to faculty with ideas with which Huckabee Sanders disagrees and increase the politicization of higher education.

Professors Respond to Attempted Censorship with Lawsuit

Six Florida professors have filed a lawsuit fighting a law (Senate Bill 266 – passed in 2023) restricting discussions and university programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The lawsuit alleges that the law violates Americans' constitutional right to free speech by forcing viewpoint-based censorship and preventing the free exchange of ideas at academic institutions. Since the law took effect, it has had astounding effects, including forcing processors to cancel or drastically alter the content of courses related to race, gender, and systemic inequities, eliminating academic research and participation in academic conferences, eliminating funding for DEI programs in student organizations and educational events, and fostering a culture of fear and anxiety amongst students and staff.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

If you are a professor facing disciplinary action or wrongful termination or a student facing consequences for sharing your views on campus, the Lento Law Firm can help. Whether you're a student or professor, you have a right to free speech and due process. Don't let your institution violate your rights. It's time to fight with the help of our Education Law Team. Get started today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.