Collin College: Professors Dismissed Over COVID-19 Criticism, Union Advocacy

In January 2021, Collin College summoned professors Audra Heaslip and Suzanne Jones to separate meetings within hours of each other. The professors — who represent two thirds of the leadership of a local chapter of the Texas Faculty Association, a non-collective bargaining union — were informed their contracts would not be renewed due to objections from senior administrators. The college cited the professors’ criticism of the college’s decision to reopen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, references to the college’s name on the TFA’s website, and Jones’ signature on a public letter urging the removal of Confederate statues. On February 4, 2021, FIRE wrote to Collin College, reminding it that the First Amendment protects faculty members’ expressive rights and their rights to associate with unions.