Statement by the Committee to Defend History Professor Tom Alter

On September 10th, 2025, Dr. Tom Alter, a respected and tenured professor of history at Texas State University, was fired for remarks he made at a socialist conference in his capacity as a private citizen.  He was fired without due process, a clear violation of both Texas State University policy and Texas state law.  Alter is a published labor historian, a popular teacher and adviser, a proud union member, a father of two, and a socialist activist. 

Texas State University’s actions represent a blatant attack on Dr. Alter’s First Amendment right to free speech. It is a political move to suppress progressive and leftist thought on campuses. His firing and the stripping away of his and his family’s livelihood is a chilling reminder of the attacks waged on campuses around the country. Alter’s firing constitutes an attack on his fundamental civil liberties, and represents a threat to the democratic rights of all working people.

The Committee to Defend Tom Alter demands his immediate reinstatement to his tenured teaching position at Texas State University.  We fight for the right of Alter and people everywhere to speak out in support of socialism, the defense of Palestine, LGBTQIA and trans advocacy, anti-racism, and social justice. We are prepared to resist these very real threats by higher education  and  federal/state government institutions. 

We call on individuals and organizations  of conscience everywhere to join our campaign.  If Tom Alter can be fired  from his job without due process and be denied  his constitutionally-protected right to free speech,  this can happen to any of us. 

We invite you to join us in this struggle. An injury to one is an injury to all.

Sign the petition here.

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Featured Image credit: Texas State Employees Union; modified by Tempest.