Texas State University professor reinstated by court after being fired for inciting violence

Thomas Alter, a professor at Texas State University, will be reinstated after a Hays County District Judge granted an injunction against his firing for allegedly inciting violence at an online socialist conference. The ruling allows Alter to return with pay, although he will not be permitted to teach classes while the university reviews his case. His abrupt termination, which occurred on September 10, drew significant local backlash, culminating in a rally where politicians and advocacy groups called for his reinstatement. State Representative Erin Zwiener stated that despite her disagreement with Alter's views, she advocates for his right to free speech. Recent firings at the university, including a faculty recruiter and a student, have raised concerns about administrative responses to politically charged comments.

These incidents suggest a growing tension between academic freedom and institutional governance in Texas. The case has implications for how universities navigate free speech and political expression. As the university undertakes its standard faculty investigative process, the outcome may influence future policies regarding faculty speech.