Math Professor Triumphs in Free Speech Case Against College Standards

A math professor from Reno, Nevada, has achieved a significant victory in a free speech case against Truckee Meadows Community College, known as TMCC. This victory comes after he alleged retaliation from the college for voicing concerns over a shift in academic standards.

Lars Jensen, a tenured math professor at TMCC, filed a lawsuit in January 2022 against college administrators. He claimed that after criticizing a new policy that reportedly lowered academic standards within the math department, he faced reprimands and was subjected to a termination hearing.

In a notable turn of events, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in Jensen’s favor this past Monday, reversing an earlier dismissal by a district court. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, often referred to as FIRE, announced this pivotal decision, noting that the appellate court directed the case back to the lower court for further evaluation.

According to the Ninth Circuit’s opinion, Judge Berzon stated that the district court had mistakenly dismissed Jensen’s claims related to First Amendment retaliation. While the court acknowledged that Jensen did not thoroughly plead due process and equal protection claims, it criticized the lower court for denying his chance to amend those claims. Thus, the appellate decision not only reverses the dismissal but also remands the case for further consideration.

Context Behind the Controversy

In the heart of the controversy lies Jensen’s assertion that he faced consequences for challenging a curriculum policy change enacted by the Nevada System of Higher Education. This alteration reportedly led TMCC’s math department to diminish academic standards for various courses.

During a Math Summit held in January 2020, Jensen attempted to communicate his concerns regarding the new policy. However, Dr. Julie Ellsworth, the Dean of Sciences at TMCC, allegedly curtailed his ability to express his views. Instead of allowing him to speak, she redirected Jensen to use a whiteboard designated for written comments.

Frustrated, Jensen retreated to his office, where he drafted a handout outlining his concerns. He argued that the changes would adversely affect the integrity of the Math 120 course, thereby impacting students’ performance and local businesses reliant on well-qualified graduates.

Despite his attempts to share his views, Jensen claims that Ellsworth confiscated his handouts and accused him of disruptive behavior. This encounter escalated tensions, with Jensen asserting that he was labeled a