Texas State University has dismissed history professor Thomas Alter after a video of him discussing socialist organizing and criticizing U.S. political structures circulated.
The video was recorded during the Revolutionary Socialism Conference, an online event, and was subsequently posted to social media. In the video, Alter questions how the United States could be overthrown without an official organization.
"Without organization, how can anyone expect to overthrow the most bloodthirsty, profit-driven, mad organization in the history of the world, that of the United States?," Alter questioned.
Alter's statements have been widely interpreted as advocating for violence. However, the full recording shows Alter urging strategic organizing rather than spontaneous protests.
University President Kelly Damphhoussee said Alter's firing was due to "serious professional and personal misconduct."
She asserted that the speech seemed to incite violence and violated university policy. System Chancellor Brian McCall agreed with the decision, calling Alter's comments "egregious" and inconsistent with institutional values.
Neither official has clarified which specific remarks led to the dismissal.
The incident comes amid rising tensions between Texas universities and state policies. A recent survey by the American Association of University Professors found many faculty across Texas are seeking jobs in other states. They cite a climate of fear, self-censorship, and political interference as reasons they wish to leave the state.
Nearly 1, 100 Texas Faculty surveyed, and about a quarter said they had already applied for out-of-state positions.
"Morale is down," one faculty member wrote. "Friends have lost contracts for no discernable reason. We live in fear of using the wrong word. We do not have academic freedom."
In the survey, Texas had the highest share of respondents, over 60%, who said they would not recomment Texas to colleagues.
Alter has not yet publicly responded to his dismissal.
