What the First Amendment doesn’t protect when it comes to professors speaking out on politics

What the First Amendment doesn’t protect when it comes to professors speaking out on politics

Employees at public and private colleges do not have the same First Amendment rights. dane_mark/Royalty-free American colleges and universities are increasingly firing or punishing professors and other employees for what they say, whether it’s on social media or in the classroom. After the Sept. 10, 2025, killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, several universities, including Iowa State University, Clemson University, Ball State Universit…

What the First Amendment doesn’t protect when it comes to professors speaking out on politics

by Neal H. Hutchens, University of Kentucky and Jeffrey C. Sun, University of Louisville, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] American colleges and universities are increasingly firing or punishing professors and other employees for what they say, whether it’s on social media or in the classroom. After the Sept. 10, 2025, killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, several universities, including Iow…