A Texas State University philosophy professor, who was terminated after speaking in favor of political violence, has filed a First Amendment lawsuit.
At issue are a series of remarks made by Idris Robinson at an “anarchist conference” in 2024.
According to a video of the event that was posted to social media in 2025, Robinson called the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel a “blueprint for humanity.”
During that same speech, Robinson stated that he “fetishized riots” in his academic research and that “an act in which the terrorist takes the life of the oppressor” was a form of “divine violence.”
Texas State notified Robinson of his impending termination in July 2025 after these remarks were brought to its attention. Robinson’s termination is currently scheduled for May 31, 2026.
Robinson’s lawsuit alleges that Texas State violated his First Amendment right to speak “as a private citizen on a matter of public concern.” Robinson also alleges a series of bureaucratic procedural violations as part of the termination process.
The lawsuit further states that Robinson’s termination will cause “irreparable harm” because “there is also no demand for academic philosophy in the private sector.”
Beyond the scope of this lawsuit, Robinson told a UK-based left-wing website that “I definitely do not condemn the violence used by the Palestinian resistance.” The website in question has an entire section dedicated to promoting Islamist narratives.
Robinson also spoke in favor of “insurgency” and “rebellion” at an event held in Seattle in July 2020. This was shortly after Seattle had allowed Black Lives Matter rioters to create a “police free” autonomous zone in the center of the city.
This is the second recent lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations by Texas State. A previous lawsuit, filed by a professor who was terminated after calling for the overthrow of the U.S. government, remains ongoing.
A Texas State University representative told Texas Scorecard that they do not discuss active litigation.
Texas State University is a component of the Texas State University System. The Texas State University System is overseen by a Board of Regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. Stephen Lee of Bastrop is the current board chairman.
