Alter v. Texas State University

Summary

In early September 2025, Dr. Thomas Alter, a tenured history professor at Texas State University, participated in an online Revolutionary Socialism Conference. At the event, he discussed the failures and violence of the U.S. government, describing it as “the most bloodthirsty, profit-driven, mad organization in history.” He suggested that meaningful political change would require organization and collective action, framing his comments as part of a critique of systemic inequality and capitalist structures. On September 10, the university terminated Alter, stating that his remarks constituted serious misconduct incompatible with his professional responsibilities and the values of the institution.

Shortly after his dismissal, on September 16, Alter filed a lawsuit against Texas State University. He argued that he spoke solely in his personal capacity and that the university violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. He also claimed that the dismissal breached his contractual rights as a tenured faculty member because no formal hearing or investigation had been conducted before his termination. The lawsuit requested reinstatement, back pay, and a declaration that his constitutional and contractual rights had been violated. The Texas State Employees Union criticized the dismissal, described it as politically retaliatory, and launched a petition supporting Alter’s reinstatement.

On September 26, a Hays County judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring the university to reinstate Alter with pay while the lawsuit proceeded. The judge prohibited him from resuming teaching until a due process hearing took place. The case drew attention to the procedural protections for tenured faculty and the process universities follow in responding to controversial statements by professors. The university emphasized that its actions were consistent with its values and professional standards for faculty conduct.