Judge Reinstates Texas State Professor Pending Lawsuit

A Hays County judge on Friday granted a temporary restraining order requiring Texas State University to reinstate history professor Thomas (Tom) Alter with pay while his lawsuit and the university’s due-process review proceed, though he remains barred from teaching. Alter was fired on Sept. 10 after a viral video of him speaking at an online Socialist Horizon conference — where he urged formation of a revolutionary/workers’ party and criticized the U.S. government — and university officials said his remarks allegedly advocated inciting violence and were incompatible with faculty responsibilities. Alter filed suit on Sept. 16 naming Texas State, President Kelly Damphousse and Provost Pranesh Aswath, arguing the termination violated his First Amendment and due-process/tenure protections and seeking reinstatement, back pay and damages. The university said it “respects the court’s decision,” will reinstate him with pay pending the outcome of the due-process review and intends to resolve the matter through its standard faculty investigative process alongside the court case. The situation has drawn local political attention and rallies and highlights ongoing tensions over academic freedom and political expression in Texas higher education.