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 online of a 2024 presentation he gave at an anarchist event in North Carolina titled, “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance.”

Robinson was placed on leave after clips of the speech were shared by an Instagram account, accusing him of inciting violence.

“This is not academic freedom. This is incitement to violence. Texas State University must act,” the post read.

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.

“At no point did he encourage or direct anyone to engage in violence,” the motion claims.

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This week, attorneys representing Robinson filed an emergency motion, requesting a preliminary injunction by a U.S. District Court in Austin 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 the 2024 presentation was made as a private citizen outside of his role at the university.

“It’s not just Texas State and it’s not just faculty, it’s students, too. From everything we have seen, Texas universities are currently at war against the First Amendment. And they seem not to be concerned about the consequences of violating the First Amendment, but they should be,” Robinson’s attorney, Samantha Harris said in an interview on Wednesday.

Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms Managing Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, a non-profit organization committed to defending First Amendment rights, explained that proving the incitement of violence is not easy.

“The First Amendment has been interpreted to have a really high bar around what we call incitement violence. To imminent lawless action. It has to be specific, and it has to have a high likelihood to occur,” Friedman said.

Harris is now expecting a hearing on the emergency motion, with a decision that could follow within weeks.