Millsaps College Firing of Professor James Bowley

In early November 2024, Millsaps College professor James Bowley sent an email to students in his “Abortion and Religions” class canceling a session on Election Day. In the message, he wrote that he needed “time to mourn and process this racist fascist country,” referring to Donald Trump’s re-election. The class, according to Bowley, had only five students and had held open discussions about difficult political and religious topics throughout the semester. He stated the cancellation was meant as a gesture of support, given the emotional responses he observed among students after the election.

Two days later, Interim Provost Stephanie Rolph placed Bowley on administrative leave. The college cited his use of a Millsaps email account to express personal political opinions to students as a violation of professional standards. On January 14, 2025, the college formally terminated Bowley’s employment, claiming he failed to make clear that his views did not represent the college. Bowley responded by appealing the decision to the Millsaps Board of Trustees, arguing that he had exercised academic freedom and that his comments were consistent with the classroom environment he had fostered.

As of mid-January 2025, Bowley remained off campus and was awaiting the outcome of his appeal. Supporters, including alumni and free speech advocates, have urged Millsaps to reinstate him, warning that the college’s actions could have a chilling effect on classroom expression and faculty autonomy.