SAN MARCOS, Texas — History professor Thomas Alter has been reinstated at Texas State University after a court granted an injunction allowing him to return to his post.
Alter was previously terminated following remarks he made at a virtual socialist conference, which the university cited as grounds for dismissal, alleging incitement of violence.
Judge Alicia Key of the Hays County District Court issued the injunction, prompting the university to comply with the order. Although Alter is not currently teaching, he will continue to receive his salary while the university conducts a due process review to evaluate the circumstances surrounding his termination.
The university has acknowledged the court’s ruling and indicated it will continue to follow the legal process as the internal investigation proceeds. Alter’s legal team maintains that the university failed to observe proper procedures and violated his rights as a faculty member.
Alter, who has served at the university for several years, became the focus of debate after comments he made at the online conference were widely circulated. His supporters argue that academic institutions should safeguard speech—even when controversial—to protect the integrity of higher education.