SAN MARCOS, Texas — A Texas State University professor alleges he is being wrongfully terminated from his position after online backlash over an off-campus speech he made nearly two years ago.
In a lawsuit against Texas State leadership, philosophy professor Idris Robinson claims he was placed on administrative leave in June 2025 after a video surfaced of a 2024 presentation he gave at an anarchist event in North Carolina titled, “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance.”
The lawsuit claims that soon after he was placed on leave, he was notified that his contract would not be renewed with the university and that his employment would end in May 2026.
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This week, attorneys representing Robinson filed an emergency motion, requesting a preliminary injunction by a U.S. District Court to block his termination.
“Texas State University does not discuss active litigation,” a spokesperson for the university told CBS Austin in response to a request for comment.
The Texas State Board of Regents recently upheld the firing of another professor, Thomas Alter, in the fall. Alter was fired after remarks he made at a virtual conference held by a socialist group.
“After a thorough review of the facts, as well as information provided during Dr. Thomas Alter’s due process hearing, the Board of Regents has voted unanimously to uphold President Damphousse’s decision to summarily dismiss Dr. Alter and revoke his tenure,” the Texas State University System said in November.
Robinson’s attorneys claim that his constitutional rights have been violated, arguing that 2024 presentation was made as a private citizen outside of his role at the university.