A math professor at Truckee Meadows Community College is taking his lawsuit against the college to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Lars Jensen said he is taking a stand for his First Amendment rights after he faced disciplinary action for criticizing TMCC’s math standards in 2020.

Jensen, who teaches at TMCC, is set to have his case heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Nov. 4.

In January 2022, Jensen filed a lawsuit against the college, claiming his First Amendment rights were violated. College administrators stopped him from asking a question at a campus event and punished him for handing out fliers that criticized new math standards.

TMCC’s president, Karin Hilgersom, initiated the process to fire Jensen after his dean said he was “insubordinate” for not doing what she told him to do. A faculty panel determined there was no cause to fire Jensen, so Hilgersom backed off.

“My college tried to silence me, investigated me and almost fired me for speaking out against their decision to let students graduate without knowing basic middle school math.” Jensen said. “I’m fighting back to clear my name and because professors should be able to voice their concerns without fear of censorship.”

After Nevada’s federal district court initially dismissed Jensen’s case, he appealed in 2023.

“After a careful review of the U.S. District Court’s Order issued on Sept. 27, 2023, Dr. Jensen and his legal team believe that the Court departed from established law,” Jensen’s attorneys told This Is Reno. “Given the importance of the issues involved, we are left with no other alternative but to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.”

Daniel Ortner, one of Jensen’s lawyers, said he is optimistic about the appeal: “When the government steps on First Amendment freedoms, they need to be held accountable. The district court’s decision let the college off the hook for its actions. We’re confident the Ninth Circuit will overturn this and give Jensen his chance in court.”

Jensen said he wants his personnel file cleared of any materials related to the college’s investigation and alleged violation of his First Amendment rights.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a national free speech organization, is representing Jensen in this case. Local attorneys Michael Langton, John Nolan, Sean McDowell and Mark Mausert are also listed as his attorneys.

TMCC officials said they do not comment on litigation.

Jensen’s hearing can be watched online: https://youtube.com/@9thcircuit. Hearings that day are scheduled to start at 9 a.m.