Identity of Speakers
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Ramsi Woodcock
Faculty/Staff
OtherTenured Law Professor at the University of Kentucky
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Left wing -
Incident Responses:
Faculty sanctioned
University administration invoked formal speech code in response
Litigation
Title IX or other federal statute
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Incident Status:
In litigation Federal District Court
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
On November 13, 2025, University of Kentucky (UK) law professor Ramsi Woodcock filed a federal lawsuit against the university in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, alleging that the institution violated his First Amendment rights. The complaint claims that UK suspended Woodcock from teaching and restricted his online speech in retaliation for content posted on his website, The Antizionist Legal Studies Movement, including a petition titled Petition for Military Action Against Israel. The lawsuit argues that the university’s actions infringed on his rights as a tenured faculty member and improperly applied its policies.
The dispute traces back to July 18, 2025, when UK removed Woodcock from his teaching duties after the petition circulated online. The petition called for military action against Israel, and the website contained essays and commentary critical of Israeli government policies, including proposals advocating armed intervention and statements UK officials described as potentially antisemitic. University President Eli Capilouto characterized the content as “repugnant” and emphasized the university’s obligation to maintain a safe and inclusive campus environment. The reassignment referenced concerns under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds. The suspension occurred amid broader federal initiatives addressing antisemitism in higher education and linking compliance with civil rights requirements to eligibility for certain federal funding.
In response, UK amended its web policies and sought legal counsel. Capilouto issued a message to the campus community condemning the petition and highlighting the importance of respectful discourse. Woodcock publicly contested the university’s actions, maintaining that his criticisms were directed at Israeli government policies rather than Jewish individuals.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) continues to represent Woodcock through its Faculty Legal Defense Fund. According to the complaint, the suspension has affected his teaching responsibilities and online activities.
