US EditionJudge: Ole Miss Chancellor Has ‘Qualified Immunity’ in Firing Lawsuit over Kirk Comments
Judge ruled University of Mississippi had a substantial interest in maintaining order; Stokes's post caused disruption and public backlash, leading to dismissal of First Amendment claims.
- On March 16, U.S. Senior District Judge Glen H. Davidson dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice filed by Lauren Stokes, former University of Mississippi employee, against Chancellor Glenn Boyce.
- Weighing legal precedent, the court concluded claims against Boyce in his official capacity are barred by sovereign immunity under the Eleventh Amendment and that reinstatement did not overcome that immunity.
- After the post drew widespread backlash, Stokes deleted the content and apologized; she testified about public humiliation, and University of Mississippi faculty said her firing scared staff.
- The court found Boyce is entitled to qualified immunity, and Alysson Mills said they plan to appeal the ruling.
- Following the ruling, campus events included appearances by Mississippi governor Tate Reeves and Attorney General Lynn Fitch, with United Campus Workers warning it could chill employee speech.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Court sides with Ole Miss in First Amendment firing suit
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former University of Mississippi employee who claimed she was fired in violation of her First Amendment rights after posting a controversial message on social media. In an opinion issued March 16, U.S. Senior District Judge Glen Davidson ruled in favor of University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce, ending the case brought by former employee Lauren Stokes. Stokes, who served as an executive…
columbianprogress.com
Stokes’ First Amendment lawsuit against Ole Miss Chancellor dismissed by federal judge
After being fired following an incendiary post about Charlie Kirk’s death, former ole Miss employee Lauren Stokes argued her First Amendment rights were violated. U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson dismissed the claims Monday, setting up a potential 5th Circuit appeal.
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