Texas State University Threatens Professor Fired for 'Overthrow' Comments

Confrontation over campus protest policy raises First Amendment concerns

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:24pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty university lecture hall, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the desks, conveying a sense of melancholy and the chilling effect of academic suppression.The confrontation between a fired professor and university administrators highlights the growing tensions over free speech and academic freedom at Texas universities.San Marcos Today

A fired Texas State University professor, Thomas Alter, was threatened with police action after joining a campus protest, despite the university's policy allowing for free expression. The incident highlights growing tensions over academic freedom and political interference in higher education in Texas.

Why it matters

The confrontation between Alter and a university administrator over the campus protest policy raises questions about the balance between institutional policies and First Amendment rights. It also reflects broader concerns about the politicization of higher education in Texas and the chilling effect on faculty members' ability to freely express their views.

The details

Alter, a former associate professor of history at Texas State, was fired in September 2025 after discussing a 'government overthrow' during an online socialism conference. His dismissal, which he argued lacked due process, drew headlines and support from fellow faculty. While a court temporarily reinstated Alter's position and salary, the university ultimately prevailed in firing him in October. On March 30, 2026, Alter joined a campus protest, where an administrator, Brenda Rodriguez, threatened to call the police on him, citing the university's policy that only students and employees are permitted to assemble on campus for 'expressive activities'.

  • Alter was fired on September 10, 2025, three days after his controversial comments at the socialism conference.
  • The university's policy on campus expressive activities was revised on September 8, 2025.
  • The confrontation between Alter and Rodriguez occurred on March 30, 2026.

The players

Thomas Alter

A former associate professor of history at Texas State University who was fired after discussing a 'government overthrow' during an online conference. His dismissal and subsequent campus protest have become a rallying cry for Texas faculty facing political pressure.

Brenda Rodriguez

The program director for special projects at Texas State University who threatened to call the police on Alter for participating in a campus protest, citing the university's policy on expressive activities.

Texas State University

A public university in San Marcos, Texas, that faced criticism for its handling of Alter's dismissal and its campus protest policy, which some argue infringes on First Amendment rights.

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)

A nonprofit organization that is fighting Texas State University's campus protest policy in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional.

Myko Gedutis

The vice president for the Texas State Employees Union, who believes Alter's confrontation with the university administrator serves as a reminder that academics in Texas are under careful watch and face a 'chilling effect' due to the politicization of higher education.

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What they’re saying

“You can be here. You just can't be protesting in this space.”

— Brenda Rodriguez, Program Director for Special Projects, Texas State University

“They want to intimidate folks into inaction. They just act like bullies.”

— Myko Gedutis, Vice President, Texas State Employees Union

What’s next

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is fighting Texas State University's campus protest policy in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional.

The takeaway

The confrontation between the fired professor and the university administrator highlights the growing tensions over academic freedom and political interference in higher education in Texas. The incident serves as a reminder of the chilling effect that the politicization of academia is having on faculty members' ability to freely express their views.