A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Lauren Stokes, a former executive assistant at the University of Mississippi, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated when she was fired after posting comments on social media about Charlie Kirk.
U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson granted a motion by Chancellor Glenn Boyce to dismiss the case Monday. The judge ruled that Stokes failed to prove Boyce violated her constitutional rights and that he was entitled to qualified immunity in his role as chancellor.
Stokes sought damages, legal fees, and a declaration that her rights had been infringed. She had criticized Kirk’s stances on issues such as gun rights and women’s rights following his assassination on Sept. 10, according to court documents.
In a statement, the university described Stokes’ comments as “hurtful” and “insensitive,” adding they contradicted the institution’s values of civility and respect. Boyce did not comment directly on the lawsuit but criticized the comments publicly.
Turning Point USA, the organization associated with Charlie Kirk, was also involved in the case. The United Campus Workers, representing Mississippi higher education employees, expressed concern about the ruling’s implications for free speech. The union argued that the decision overlooks claims of viewpoint discrimination, particularly after Boyce attended a rally honoring Kirk following Stokes’ firing.
Stokes’ attorney, Alysson Mills, announced plans to appeal the ruling, stating it misinterprets the law and infringes on employees’ rights to free expression. An Ole Miss spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
