Former Ole Miss Aide Sues Over First Amendment Firing

Lauren Stokes, a former executive assistant in the University of Mississippi’s development office, filed a federal lawsuit alleging Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce violated her First Amendment rights after she was fired on Sept. 11, 2025. The complaint says Stokes reposted an “insensitive” critique of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s views on race, guns and abortion on her private Instagram account on Sept. 10, deleted it and apologized hours later, yet was placed on leave and dismissed the next day after Boyce publicly called the comments “hurtful, insensitive” and inconsistent with university values. The suit contends the university engaged in viewpoint discrimination and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and a declaration that her speech was protected. It also alleges the backlash included online attacks and threats, cancelled university catering contracts for her and her husband’s restaurant, and interference with her access to therapy. The University of Mississippi has declined to comment on the pending litigation.