Public Notice - Subscribe

Former Collin College professor reinstated after lawsuit

by | Nov 17, 2022 | Education, Latest

The second of three lawsuits against Collin College was resolved last week as the Eastern District Federal Court in Sherman approved a settlement between a former professor and the school.

Suzanne Jones was fired in January 2021 by Collin College, which cited three reasons for her removal: signing an open letter supporting the removal of Confederate monuments in Dallas, using Collin College’s name on a Texas Faculty Association website and helping to organize a branch of the union on campus and supporting the Collin College Faculty Council’s plan to reopen amidst the pandemic.

The lawsuit also named Collin College President Neil Matkin and now-retired Collin College Vice President Toni Jenkins, who joined Matkin in electing not to renew Jones’ contract, according to the lawsuit. 

Jones sued the college in September 2021 and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) began representing her in February 2022. In August, the court ruled that both Matkin and Jenkins could be held personally and financially liable for Jones’ dismissal.

The result of the lawsuit was a settlement between Jones and Collin College, Matkin and Jenkins where Jones will receive a two-year contract worth $115,000 annually for a total of $230,000 and $145,000 in attorney fees. Part of the settlement also included a provision to not hold any of the defendants liable.

Additionally, Jones’ contract will not be renewed after its expiration date of Feb. 1, 2025 but terms of the settlement include Collin College Senior Vice President of Campus Operations Abe Johnson writing a letter of recommendation for Jones and Matkin or his designee providing outplacement assistance for full-time positions at other institutions if they are available.

“This is a huge victory — not only for Suzanne, but for every single professor around the country who hesitates to speak up because an administrator wants to silence them,” said Greg Greubel, who represented Jones in the case. “FIRE is proud to defend people of all political views who are punished simply for speaking their minds.”

After Jones filed her suit, Collin College attempted to file a motion for summary judgment claiming “qualified immunity.” However, the court called the defendants’ arguments “dead on arrival” and said their actions were “clearly unconstitutional.”

Collin College confirmed that Jones will return to teaching albeit in a fully online capacity per the terms of the settlement. For the duration of the contract, Jones will teach through iCollin, said Marisela Cadena-Smith, associate vice president of communications.

“Collin College is committed to its vision of creating a brighter future for its students and communities,” Cadena-Smith said. “Jones has always thought highly of the college and knows it does amazing work in the county. She is very happy to return and be part of its culture of excellence.”

Jones’ dismissal came after nearly two decades as an education professor at Collin College. According to the lawsuit, she had received positive feedback on staff assessments.

“Collin College recognizes that Jones is a great teacher and during her time at the college demonstrated good performance through high evaluations and was respected by her students and many of her colleagues,” Cadena-Smith said. “Jones is excited about her return to the classroom and is grateful to the administration for the opportunity to teach bright minds at the college.”

Jones’ settlement is the second of three lawsuits against Collin College to reach its conclusion. There is still ongoing litigation by former history professor Michael Phillips.

Phillips’ case also had a motion for summary judgment denied by the court in September which will allow his lawsuit to proceed.

Public Notice - Subscribe

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

Voter registration deadline approaching

Voter registration deadline approaching

Residents who intend to vote in the general election Saturday, May 6, need to be registered by Thursday, April 6. Early voting begins Monday, April 24, and runs through Tuesday, May 2, in the Homer and Marie Adams rooms of the Murphy Community Center at 205 N. Murphy...

read more
Teacher, philanthropist honored at gala awards

Teacher, philanthropist honored at gala awards

Locals, education staff and district administrators gathered for an annual awards gala highlighting the work of select individuals over their careers. Two prestigious awards — the Elizabeth W. Garrison Award and the Garrison Legacy Award — were bestowed during the...

read more
Mayor issues proclamation, mural design revised

Mayor issues proclamation, mural design revised

Murphy Mayor Scott Bradley has issued a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The theme this year is “Ask First: Consent.” The proclamation, issued during the Murphy City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, March 21, said...

read more
Local business keeps customers flexible

Local business keeps customers flexible

Whether you’re young and energetic or older and slower, StretchLab wants to help you live long. “Assisted stretching can improve range of motion and flexibility, improve posture, reduce muscle and joint pain, improve relaxation and stress relief and improve sports...

read more
Severe storms predicted tonight

Severe storms predicted tonight

Meteorologists are predicting severe weather in North Texas this evening, mostly in the late afternoon and evening. A tornado watch has been issued until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 18, for Dallas, Rockwall, Collin and Hunt counties with severe thunderstorms and hail...

read more
Time to clean and green Murphy

Time to clean and green Murphy

City sets April 8 for annual Clean & Green If you’ve got stuff to recycle, the city of Murphy will take most of it off your hands.  This year’s first of two Clean & Green events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 8, at City Hall, 206 N....

read more
Cancer patient to walk gala runway

Cancer patient to walk gala runway

Eight-year-old Drew Lowsley of Murphy is one of the pediatric cancer patients featured in the 33rd Annual Children’s Cancer Fund “Light It Up” Gala in Dallas. Drew, who has leukemia, will join other young patients during the fashion show portion of the event to be...

read more
Council considering designs for activity center mural

Council considering designs for activity center mural

It was back to the drawing board for a mural to be painted on the south side of the Murphy Activity Center. But Murphy City Council agreed to buy a new Christmas tree to replace the 9-year-old decoration erected annually outside the City Hall complex. Jared Mayfield,...

read more
Emergency alert system valuable tool for residents

Emergency alert system valuable tool for residents

Murphy’s warning sirens wailed as a powerful storm front advanced on the city the evening of March 2. But about 1,800 residents also got notified on their cell phones by the Rave Mobile Safety alert system, Fire Chief Del Albright said. Rave alerts via Smart911 is the...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe