Texas State University Terminates Associate Professor Following Speech at Socialism Conference

San Marcos, Texas — Texas State University has terminated the employment of Associate History Professor Thomas Alter following his remarks at a virtual panel during the Revolutionary Socialism Conference. The university says the comments constituted serious misconduct, including advocacy for overthrowing the U.S. government, and were incompatible with the responsibilities of faculty.

Key Facts:

• The speech was delivered via Zoom at the Revolutionary Socialism Conference. In it, according to the full video, Professor Alter praised some protest actions but questioned whether they achieved their goals without organization.

• In the segment circulated on social media, Alter reportedly said, “Without organization, how can anyone expect to overthrow the most bloodthirsty, profit-driven, mad organization in the history of the world — that of the United States?”

• President Kelly Damphousse of Texas State University stated that the university reviewed the publicly posted videos and determined that Alter’s actions amounted to “serious professional and personal misconduct.”

• The university’s statement specifies that “conduct that advocates for inciting violence is directly contrary to the values of Texas State University.”

• Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall supported the termination, reiterating that the institution will not tolerate conduct by employees intended to incite violence, including Alter’s statements “about overthrowing the United States.”

• Alter’s employment was effective immediately terminated.

University’s Position:

The university maintains that faculty members are expected to adhere to standards of conduct consistent with the responsibilities of their role. Speech that crosses into advocating violence is viewed as incompatible with those responsibilities. Texas State University asserts that its decision followed a careful review of the public record, including the full and edited video recordings of the speech.

Additional Context:

• Alter had been an associate history professor since 2019. He had previously served as a lecturer at the institution.

• The dismissal of Professor Alter comes amid heightening scrutiny of academic speech in Texas, especially speech by public university professors that is perceived as political or ideological in nature.

Reactions and Next Steps:

• As of the latest reports, Professor Alter has not publicly commented.

• The case is likely to prompt further discussion and possibly legal scrutiny over academic freedom, free speech rights for faculty, and the boundaries of protected speech in higher education.

• Texas State University says it will continue to ensure faculty responsibility and uphold its values, particularly in matters related to public statements and conduct.