Babson College: Adjunct Faculty Member Terminated Over Facebook Post About Iran
Cases
Babson College
Case Overview
On January 7, 2020, following President Trump’s tweeted threat to bomb 52 Iranian cultural sites, Babson College professor Asheen Phansey posted privately on his personal Facebook page: “In retaliation, Ayatollah Khomeni should tweet a list of 52 sites of beloved American cultural heritage that he would bomb. Um... Mall of America? ...Kardashian residence?” After the post was shared with a local blog, Babson administrators suspended Phansey pending an “investigation.” Less than a day later, Babson concluded its “thorough investigation” and terminated Phansey. FIREwrote to Babson College explaining that Phansey’s post was political hyperbole critical of the president’s tweet, not a true threat or incitement, and was therefore protected under Babson’s promises to respect freedom of expression.