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Court Rules UW Retaliation Against Professor Violated First Amendment

12/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the University of Washington retaliated against Professor Stuart Reges for mocking the land acknowledgment.
Reges parodied the statement in his syllabus and faced discipline after officials encouraged complaints.
The court reversed the lower court, finding Reges's comments protected academic speech.
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) attorney Gabe Walters hailed the ruling as a First Amendment victory.

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Story summary

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the University of Washington retaliated against Professor Stuart Reges for mocking the land acknowledgment.
Reges parodied the statement in his syllabus and faced discipline after officials encouraged complaints.
The court reversed the lower court, finding Reges's comments protected academic speech.
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) attorney Gabe Walters hailed the ruling as a First Amendment victory.