A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Lauren Stokes, a former executive assistant at the University of Mississippi, against Chancellor Glenn Boyce. The suit alleged that Boyce violated Stokes’ First Amendment rights by firing her over comments she made on social media after the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson ruled Monday that Stokes failed to prove her rights were violated. The judge also granted Boyce qualified immunity, shielding him from liability in his official capacity. In his opinion, Davidson stated that Stokes could not demonstrate that her social media posts’ interests outweighed the university’s need for efficient operation.
Following Kirk’s killing, the university issued a statement describing Stokes’ comments as “hurtful” and “insensitive,” and said they conflicted with the institution’s values of civility and dignity. The university did not name Stokes specifically in the statement.
Members of the United Campus Workers, representing higher education employees in Mississippi, expressed concerns about the ruling. They argued that it failed to adequately consider allegations of viewpoint discrimination, especially after Boyce attended a political rally honoring Kirk, which they say raises questions about free speech protections.
Stokes’ attorney, Alysson Mills, announced plans to appeal the decision, calling it a misinterpretation of the law. She said, “This is the heckler’s veto. We intend to defend the rights of employees at the University of Mississippi.”
