Former professor wins Collin University to get his job and money back

As part of the new settlement, Education Professor Suzanne Jones will return to Collin University and teach virtually until February 2025.

“This is a big win.

Greubel said the win was “not just for Suzanne, but for all the professors across the country who are hesitant to speak up because their administrators are trying to silence them. Censorship is un-American.” FIRE is punished for simply stating his opinion.

Greubel also called it a win for Jones’ students who benefit from her expertise and 20 years of experience in the class.

In a statement, Collin College called Jones

“A wonderful teacher, she demonstrated excellence through high marks during her time in college and was well respected by her students and many of her peers. I am grateful to the government for helping me. Please teach me a bright mind at the university.”

Just before Collin College told Jones it would not renew her contract, she was organizing a meeting for its chapter of the Texas Teachers Association. Pat Heintzelman, president of that group, and Ovidia Molina, president of the Texas Teachers Association, wrote of the settlement: In 2021, she was fired for exercising her right to free speech under an amendment that applies to educators.

I hope her reinstatement will serve as a reminder that university professors have the same freedom of speech and freedom of association as other Americans.”

There is still another lawsuit pending on the same issue. Former Collin University history professor and award-winning author Michael Phillips also signed a contract earlier this year that was not renewed. said it had unsuccessfully attempted to drop Jones’ lawsuit earlier this year.

“It was more than that,” said Mr. Phillips. “The judge was very critical of the university’s legal arguments.”

Of the settlement, he said, “I think they’ve clearly raised the white flag.

Phillips’ case still has a way to go. His FIRE attorney Groubel, who also represents Phillips, says he believes Phillips’ lawsuit is as strong as his Jones lawsuit.

Any tips? Email reporter Bill Zeeble at bzeeble@kera.org. You can follow him on Twitter @bzeeble.

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