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Texas State Professor Sues After Being Fired for Remarks in Speech

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Oct 17, 2025 | 0 Comments

Thomas Alter, a tenured history professor at Texas State University, recently found himself out of a job just days after giving a speech at a conference. In his speech, he argued that organization is necessary to challenge the U.S. government, describing the government as "bloodthirsty" and "profit-driven.”

His remarks were recorded and shared online by a right-wing YouTuber. Once Texas State learned about it, they said his words were "incompatible" with his role as a faculty member and moved quickly to terminate him. Alter says the decision blindsided him and that it had turned his and his family's world upside down. He's now suing Texas State, arguing his free speech and contractual due process rights were violated.

If you're a college or school employee who has found yourself similarly blindsided by what appears to be a wrongful termination, we can help. The Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm is committed to ensuring that college employees' rights, including the right to due process, are respected. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or send us a message online so we can start protecting you.

Colleges' Hasty Actions May Violate Their Own Policies

Alter's situation reflects a frightening reality for professors, teachers, and school employees: when controversy strikes, schools often act fast. And even though institutions may claim they're following procedure, internal procedures aren't always clear, consistent, or fair, even if you have tenure or a seemingly strong contract.

In today's climate, professors and teachers are under more scrutiny than ever. Several educators across the country who made critical remarks about political figures, such as Charlie Kirk, have found themselves facing swift disciplinary action. Whether the educator's intent was political critique, satire, or personal opinion, the result was the same: schools moved to fire or suspend educators before a full and fair review took place.

The LLF National Law Firm Can Help

When wrongful terminations of college professors and other educators appear to be politically motivated or are based on incomplete facts, legal representation becomes essential. Our law firm works directly with faculty, teachers, and school employees to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected.

We can carefully review your employment contract, tenure protections, and school policies to determine your rights and whether those rights are being violated. Universities and schools are required to follow specific due process steps before imposing discipline, and when they cut corners or rush to judgment, we'll challenge any procedural violations. In many cases, we can resolve matters through negotiation, arguing to secure reinstatement, severance, or a fair settlement that protects both your financial security and your career.

You don't have to face these challenges alone. Universities have lawyers working hard to protect their interests—you deserve someone equally committed to protecting yours. If you are a professor, teacher, or employee facing an investigation or potential termination, contact the Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm at 888.535.3686or send us a message online for a confidential consultation. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights, career, and future are fully protected.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients nationwide. Attorney Lento and his team represent students and others in disciplinary cases and various other proceedings at colleges and universities across the United States. Attorney Lento has helped countless students, professors, and others in academia at more than a thousand colleges and universities across the United States, and when necessary, he and his team have sought justice on behalf of clients in courts across the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. In various capacities, the Lento Law FIrm Team can help you or your student address any school-related issue or concern anywhere in the United States.

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If you, or your student, are facing any kind of disciplinary action, or other negative academic sanction, and are having feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for what the future may hold, contact the LLF National Law Firm today, and let us help secure your academic career.

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