Professor Tom Alter has been reinstated at Texas State with pay amid a legal battle over his firing after a speech at a socialism conference.
AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas State professor who was fired over comments he made at a socialism conference has now been reinstated while the legal process plays out.
Professor Tom Alter confirmed to KVUE Friday evening that a judge has issued a temporary restraining order in his lawsuit against the university, allowing him to be reinstated with pay pending the outcome of a due process hearing and while the legal process plays out. However, he will not be permitted teach classes, at least for right now.
The firing happened after video of Alter, an associate history professor, emerged on social media showing him speaking at the Revolutionary Socialism Conference, an online conference organized by Socialist Horizon, on Sept. 7.
Streamer Karlyn Borysenko, who describes herself as an “anti-communist cult leader,” recorded the conference and uploaded a video of the speech online.
“As anarchists, these insurrectionists explicitly reject the formation of a revolutionary party capable of leading the working class to power,” Alter said in his speech. “Without 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?”
While speaking at the conference, Alter stated that he never represented Texas State and spoke in his individual capacity, on his own time. He introduced himself as a member of Socialist Horizon at the start of his speech, and his connection with Texas State was revealed only by another participant.
Texas State leaders said they reviewed the video and fired Alter, calling it serious misconduct both professionally and personally.
In response to his firing, Alter filed a lawsuit, alleging that the university violated his right to free speech and did not follow proper procedure in terminating him. He further argued that Texas State did not follow its own rules and regulations, or the Texas Education Code, when it came to his termination, which denied him due process.
When asked for comment in response to the judge’s decision, the university provided the following statement to KVUE:
“Texas State University respects the court’s decision and will reinstate Dr. Alter with pay, pending the outcome of a due process hearing which had been previously scheduled. Dr. Alter will not be permitted to teach classes at Texas State until due process has run its course. The university looks forward to resolving this issue in a timely manner.”