TEXAS — Texas State University has made the decision to uphold the firing of associate history professor Thomas Alter.
Alter’s termination occurred on Sept. 10, stemming from his remarks at the Revolutionary Socialism Conference on Sept. 7, delivered during a Zoom meeting, where he advocated for organizing the working class to form a revolutionary socialist party.
“After a thorough review of Dr. Alter’s conduct and the information provided during his due process hearing, President Damphousse has notified Dr. Alter that his employment at Texas State University is terminated, effective immediately,” Texas State said in a statement to Spectrum News. “There will be no further comment on this matter.”
In a statement at the time of the initial firing, Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said Alter’s “controversial statements” amounted to “serious professional and personal misconduct.”
Which of Alter’s comments in particular violated university policy was unclear. Damphousse only referred to “controversial statements.”
After the initial firing, Alter sued the Texas State University System, Texas State President Kelly Damphousse and Chancellor Pranesh Aswath, alleging discrimination and a violation of due process.
A Hays County judge granted an injunction on Sept. 26, allowing for Alter to be reinstated while awaiting a formal review.
Despite the injunction, Alter was not to be permitted to teach classes at the university until the case was closed, a Texas State spokesperson told Spectrum News.
The Texas State Employees Union (TSEU CWA Local 6186) condemns Texas State upholding the firing “in the strongest possible terms.”
“Kelly Damphousse’s tenure as president will be remembered not for strengthening this university but for breaking its trust with those who make it what it is, that is its faculty, staff, and students,” said a faculty member speaking anonymously to TSEU.