In the United States, free speech is often upheld as a fundamental value. However, not all institutions in the country share the same perspective. James Bowley, a professor from Mississippi, recently experienced the repercussions of expressing his views. According to the Independent, Bowley decided to cancel his class upon learning of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election. He explained that he needed time to process the election results and grieve. Subsequently, he sent an email to his students, expressing his frustration and referring to the US as a “racist and fascist country.”
Millsaps College initially placed the religious studies professor on temporary leave and informed him that his work email account should not be used for “sharing personal opinions with [his] students.” Sadly, the following week, he was terminated and also prohibited from visiting campus or engaging with students. Bowley, who was known for his excellent teaching and deep care for his students, was heartbroken by this sudden termination.
For reference, the institution’s Handbook for Staff Employees states, “Millsaps College is committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom and shared governance.” However, “freedom of speech, discrimination, and harassment identified in this policy are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom.”
While the Mississippi professor might feel this a violation of his right to freedom of speech, one commenter points out that he indeed can “freely say whatever he wants without persecution” from the United States government; “however, that does not absolve him from any consequences of said speech.”
Regardless of free speech, a top comment expresses how saddening this whole situation is from a foreigner’s perspective: “You know, it’s really sad that we are probably the only country in the world where teachers and professors teach their students to hate the country. It’s really sad.”
Commenters are expressing their agreement that the Mississippi professor was terminated for “speaking the truth” and that “canceling class due to one’s preferred candidate not winning is simply foolish.” This user’s statement highlights Mississippi’s reputation as a conservative-leaning ‘red state’ and emphasizes the importance for educational institutions to cultivate a sense of patriotism in their students. Despite the professor’s impressive credentials, referring to the United States as a “racist and fascist country” was undoubtedly an inappropriate action.
