Steven Thrasher, a professor at Northwestern University, has filed a federal lawsuit against the institution, claiming his tenure was denied due to his pro-Palestinian activism. Thrasher, who holds the Daniel H. Renberg Chair of social justice in reporting, accuses the university of breaching his employment contract and violating his academic freedom. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, also asserts discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, and association with Palestinian people.
Included in the lawsuit are U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Thrasher’s legal action stems from disciplinary investigations he faced amid protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict at the university in 2024. He participated in a student-led demonstration, supporting Palestinians and forming a barrier alongside other faculty.
The lawsuit contends that federal pressure following the protests led to Thrasher’s suspension and the denial of his tenure. Appointed in 2019, Thrasher’s work focuses on LGBTQ and social justice issues. He emphasizes the difficulty of filing the lawsuit but expresses eagerness to contest in court. Thrasher argues his career was unfairly halted by university and government collaboration to support a political agenda.
Further allegations in the lawsuit state federal investigations targeted Thrasher and prompted disciplinary actions against him. He faced multiple charges and suspension but was cleared in initial investigations. Thrasher’s temporary suspension allegedly breached due process, and despite appealing tenure denial, he was ultimately removed from teaching duties. The university is accused of contractually preventing him from teaching without misconduct findings.
With his employment ending this month, Thrasher claims university actions have damaged his career prospects and caused personal distress. He seeks reinstatement in a tenured role or equivalent compensation. The lawsuit requests measures to halt future faculty terminations and advocacy suppression. It also demands to invalidate Northwestern’s agreement settling antisemitism allegations.
Northwestern declined to comment on the pending lawsuit. Thrasher hopes the case establishes a precedent for protecting individuals speaking on controversial topics. He believes government officials should not dictate university faculty employment based on political favor. Thrasher posits that diverse perspectives are essential in academic environments.