By Committe to Defend Tom Alter

SAN MARCOS, Texas (October 14, 2025) — Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse has terminated Professor Tom Alter for engaging in protected political speech as a private citizen, the Committee to Defend Tom Alter announced today. The decision represents a direct assault on the First Amendment and academic freedom. 

In a public statement released after his firing Alter said:

“My termination, in clear violation of my First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, association, and of assembly, brings shame, embarrassment and heavy blow to the academic reputation of Texas State University.” 

Alter also commented:

“To be clear, my termination is part of a broader political attack being carried out by the authoritarian far-right to crush democracy and democratic institutions in the United States in general, and in Texas in particular.  But the charges leveled against me by the Texas State administration do not stand up to the facts.  I have truth on my side and I look forward to my day in court.”

Because of his termination Alter’s lawsuit against Texas State seeking his reinstatement will now go forward.

The Texas State Employees Union, American Association of University Professors, Texas AFT, and Texas AFL-CIO have condemned the termination and pledged full support for Dr. Alter’s legal challenge. Civil liberties organizations nationwide are rallying to overturn this precedent-setting case.

“This is violation not only of academic freedom, but the basic constitutional protection of free speech under the First Amendment,” said Bill V, Mullen, coordinator of the Committee to Defend Tom Alter. “If this can happen to Tom Alter, it can happen to anyone. That is why there is a growing campaign to defend Dr. Alter, because if he loses his right to free speech, everyone’s right is at risk.”

An Unconstitutional Termination

Dr. Tom Alter, a tenured history professor, was terminated for speaking at a political conference on his own time as a private citizen. The proceedings began after far-right provocateur Karlyn Borysenko posted secretly recorded and selectively edited videos from the September 7 Revolutionary Socialism Conference demanding his firing.

The First Amendment protects political speech made as a private citizen. Texas State’s termination constitutes retaliation against speech unrelated to Dr. Alter’s employment and sets a dangerous precedent threatening academic freedom nationwide.

Labor and Civil Liberties Coalition Mobilizes

Major labor organizations including the Texas State Employees Union, American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Texas AFT, and Texas AFL-CIO are backing Dr. Alter’s fight. Civil liberties organizations, faculty groups, and student organizations across the country have mobilized in support.

Timeline of Events

• September 7: Alter speaks at Revolutionary Socialism Conference as private citizen
• September 8: Borysenko posts manipulated videos demanding firing
• September 10: Texas State terminates Alter without due process
• September 26: Court orders proper procedures
• October 13: Damphousse terminates Alter

“This struggle did not begin with me, it will not end with me,” Dr. Alter said. “The struggle for free speech will continue regardless of the outcome. If it is positive it will be a victory that will strengthen the struggle to defend hundreds others being attacked, fired and persecuted for their ideas. If it is negative, we will be on the front line of that struggle nonetheless.”

Urgent Call to Action

The Committee calls on all supporters to take immediate action:

Contact President Damphousse to condemn this unconstitutional termination: president@txstate.edu, 512-245-2121

Sign the petition at https://defendtomalter.org/

Donate to the legal defense fund at https://defendtomalter.org/

Share on social media: #DefendTomAlter #FirstAmendmentTXST

Dr. Alter’s legal team stands ready to vigorously challenge this termination. This case represents a pivotal moment in the fight for academic freedom and constitutional rights in higher education.

We will not allow political extremists to dictate who can teach at our universities. We will not accept this attack on the First Amendment.

About the Committee to Defend Tom Alter: The Committee is a coalition of faculty, students, staff, union members, and community supporters dedicated to protecting academic freedom and free speech rights.