(Texas Scorecard) – Texas State University has formally terminated a professor who called for the overthrow of the United States government.
According to The University Star, Texas State informed Professor Tom Alter of the result of his due-process hearing on the afternoon of October 13. Alter’s termination took immediate effect.
Alter first provoked controversy following remarks he made at a “Revolutionary Socialism Conference” that occurred on September 6 and 7.
In a video obtained by author Karlyn Borysenko, Alter spoke about various left-wing groups during his address. He asked, “[W]ithout organization, how can anyone expect to overthrow the most bloodthirsty, profit-driven, mad organization in the history of the world, that of the U.S. government?”
This followed Alter’s discussion of why he found political organization—in this case, through the Democratic Socialists of America—insufficient.
Alter stated that “we are by no means just a reading club” and that “reforms are not enough.”
Texas State University informally terminated Alter shortly afterward.
Alter subsequently sued Texas State. Alicia Key, a Democrat judge that presides over the 483rd district court in Hays County then granted him a temporary injunction pending the outcome of a due-process hearing.
That due-process hearing is now complete. Alter’s termination is final, although he will have the option to appeal his termination to the Texas State University System.
“[M]y termination is part of a broader political attack being carried out by the authoritarian far-right to crush democracy,” Alter told The University Star.
Alter shared his termination letter from Texas State President Kelly Damphousse with The University Star, which reported that Damphousse found Alter spoke at the conference representing Texas State, not in a personal capacity.
“You discussed your employment with Texas State University, the university’s role in training future public school teachers, and your role, specifically, in teaching education majors, while promoting your vision for the recruitment of Americans into a ‘Revolutionary Socialist Party’ with the stated goal of overthrowing the United States government,” The University Star quoted from Damphousse’s letter.
The Texas State Employee’s Union, of which Alter is a member, launched a petition demanding Alter’s reinstatement. The union called Alter’s termination “a deeply troubling move that strikes at the heart of the First Amendment.”
“After a thorough review of Dr. Alter’s conduct and the information provided during his due process hearing, President Damphousse has notified Dr. Alter that his employment at Texas State University is terminated, effective immediately,” a Texas State University spokesperson told Texas Scorecard.
Meanwhile, Alter’s lawsuit continues to make its way through the court system.
Texas State University is a component of the Texas State University System. It is overseen by a Board of Regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. Alan L. Tinsley is the current board chairman.
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