Ole Miss Professor’s Post Fuels Calls for Dismissal

On Tuesday, James “JT” Thomas, a sociology professor at the University of Mississippi, posted a Bluesky image of seashells spelling “86 47.” In slang “eighty-6” can mean “to discard” or “to kill.” The post coincided with former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment for threatening President Donald Trump, a case that previously featured a similar image. State Auditor Shad White reposted it on X, asking, “What are the consequences for this, Ole Miss?” Secretary of State Michael Watson also shared it, tagging the FBI and DOJ. The university has not responded publicly.

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire himTalking Points Memo

Thomas’s post follows a history of protest. In September 2020 he joined a national “Scholar Strike” against police brutality and racial inequality, an activity prohibited for state employees under Mississippi law. Auditor Shad White wrote to Chancellor Glenn Boyce, alleging a statutory violation and demanding Thomas’s termination and a $2,000 pay dock. Auditors’ office agents visited Thomas’s home and subpoenaed his emails. Represented by the Mississippi Center for Justice, Thomas filed a defamation suit asserting his lesson plans covered missed class time and that his conduct is protected speech. The suit is pending.

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

White’s letter claimed Thomas violated anti-strike statutes and urged the university to fire him and withhold $2,000. Watson’s repost urged to “check in on him.” Auditor-office spokesperson Jacob Walters emphasized that free speech carries consequences. The university declined comment. Thomas said he is a private citizen with constitutionally protected speech and has received no pressure to silence him.

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

Wendy Goldberg, president of United Campus Workers of Mississippi, warned that the episode deepens a “clear chilling effect on campus.” She linked it to the recent firing of a staff member for a private Instagram post, noting faculty now fear retaliation for political expression. Critics argue White’s actions threaten academic independence and set a precedent for state officials to police faculty speech.

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

• “Thomas told Mississippi Today he’s not afraid of being fired.” — James “JT” Thomas, Sociology Professor

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

• “Everyone is entitled to free speech, but you also face consequences for that speech,” — Jacob Walters, Auditor’s Office Spokesperson

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

• “There’s a clear chilling effect on campus right now about things you can say or express their opinions on matters,” — Wendy Goldberg, United Campus Workers of Mississippi

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

• “What are the consequences for this, Ole Miss?” — Shad White, State Auditor (X post)

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him

Thomas’s defamation lawsuit proceeds in Hinds County Circuit Court while the university’s disciplinary stance remains unclear. The controversy has revived debate over First Amendment protections for public-employee scholars and may prompt legislative review of Mississippi’s anti-strike law as it applies to academic protest.

Outspoken Ole Miss professor’s social media post fuels conservatives’ calls to fire him