Texas State Professor Sues After Termination Following Palestine Talk

Idris Robinson, a philosophy professor at Texas State University, has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging that his contract was terminated in violation of his constitutional rights. The termination followed an off-campus talk Robinson gave at the Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair in Asheville, North Carolina, in June 2024. His presentation, titled "Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance," sparked a social media campaign led by pro-Israel activists who accused him of inciting violence.

The lawsuit claims that Robinson was placed on administrative leave in June 2025, and subsequently notified that his contract would not be renewed after May 2026. Robinson argues that his speech was made as a private citizen and that the university’s actions infringe upon his academic freedom and First Amendment rights.

Chloe Truong-Jones, an attorney at Palestine Legal, noted a significant increase in US faculty members seeking legal help after being disciplined for speech on Palestine, rising from 37 requests in 2022 to 150 last year, a 305% increase. This case is part of a broader trend of universities facing scrutiny over faculty speech related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

CBS Austin reported that Robinson’s attorneys have filed an emergency motion requesting a preliminary injunction to block his termination, with a hearing expected in the coming weeks. Jonathan Friedman from PEN America emphasized the high bar for proving incitement of violence under the First Amendment.

Robinson claims Texas State University violated his First and 14th Amendment rights by terminating his contract after an off-campus speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance."

An organization that provides legal support to faculty members disciplined for speech on Palestine.

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