One, Collin College history professor Lora Burnett, recently accepted a $70,000 payment from the college to end her First Amendment suit. We think the court recognized the right to free speech is for everyone, not just the powerful, Langhofer said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Federal court rules fired professor's suit against UNT can Hiers rejects the concept of microaggressions because while purporting to reject bias and prejudice, the concept actually hurts diversity and tolerance, the suit continues: This mode of thinking teaches people to see the worst in other people, promotes a culture of victimhood, and suppresses alternative viewpoints instead of encouraging growth and dialogue. UNT did not respond to The College Fixs request for comment Thursday. ", "The defendants have formally notified the court of appeals that we are appealing the district courts decision to deny our motion to dismiss," a spokesperson for the school said. Yet the symposium is part of the public record, and anyone who wishes to read Jacksons words for him or herself may do so. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy,Terms of Service. SHERMAN, Texas A federal district court said late Friday that a professors lawsuit against the University of North Texas may proceed after he was fired over a joke Hiers found flyers in the math department faculty lounge about microaggressions, and then wrote a quip on the chalkboard: Please dont leave your garbage lying around, with an arrow pointing to the flyers, which werent official university documents, the lawsuit says. Court: Professor may proceed with lawsuit against university after While Phillips said he urged students in his class to maintain physical distancing and wear masks for safety, he says he forced no one to do so. The Defendants never notified Dr. Hiers in writing of what he had done wrong or what policy he allegedly violated before taking action against him, the suit reads. Professor counters allegations of racism -- in court - Inside Higher Ed Its OK. Which is something that has long been a hallmark of university faculty the ability to be in the marketplace of ideas.. You have permission to edit this article. Ukraine said it successfully protected Kyiv by intercepting 15 of 18 cruise missiles launched overnight, but major damage was reported away from the capital. UNT retaliated against him, engaged in content- and viewpoint-based discrimination, and attempted to compel speech from him.