05/14/2026
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BREAKING: Fired Texas State Professor Dr. Idris Robinson Celebrates Major Federal Court Victory in Free Speech Case
Popular philosophy instructor enjoys a huge win for the 1st Amendment following today’s federal court ruling in his favor...
Ruling from the bench, U.S. District Court Judge Alan Albright granted a preliminary injunction ordering Texas State University to reinstate Dr. Robinson with pay and university affiliation for one year or until the conclusion of his trial, whichever comes first. A written order will follow today’s hearing. The ruling signals the strength of Dr. Robinson’s case.
Professor Robinson was represented at the hearing by attorney Samantha Harris of Allen Harris PLLC and attorney JT Morris of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
According to notes taken during the hearing, Judge Albright stated, "Given that the state really hasn't made an effort to argue that the speech that the plaintiff gave [wasn't] in some role or another a motivating factor - and I don't know that they could, given the fact that he was suspended immediately after the speech and told that it was because he exercised his right to First Amendment - I'm going to order that the university maintain his employment contract for one year or until the case resolves, whichever is sooner.”
“This is an enormous victory for Dr. Robinson and anyone else who cares about protecting free speech and dissent in Texas,” said a spokesperson for the Texas State Employees Union. “Preliminary injunctions are not granted lightly. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the constitutional violations alleged and the weakness of the university’s defense.”
The ruling comes amid growing concerns over political retaliation, censorship, and suppression of dissenting voices at Texas State University. The union believes the implications of this decision will extend far beyond Dr. Robinson’s case, with implications for Dr. Tom Alter, Dr. Saeed Moshfegh, and others who have been silenced by public universities in Texas. The court’s willingness to intervene at this early stage sends a powerful message to universities across Texas and across the country that violations of First Amendment protections will not stand up in court.
“This decision will have ramifications for other ongoing free speech cases, and today’s ruling is a big step in the right direction,” the union spokesperson said. “But the broader fight for free speech and worker power in higher education continues.”
(The above is adapted from a press release sent by Texas State Employees Union (CWA Local 6186); old photo from Semiotext(e))
