Published Aug 7, 2026, 9:53 AM EDT
Tim Bakken brought the suit in 2025, claiming the academy's policy violated his constitutional rights.
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Published Aug 7, 2026, 9:53 AM EDT
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has dropped its fight against a court-imposed ban on its policy of limiting what professors can publicly say and write. Tim Bakken, the school’s longest-serving law professor, brought the original suit, claiming the academy's policy violates his constitutional right to freedom of speech. He challenged West Point's policy implemented in early 2025 that barred faculty members from publishing papers, speaking at conferences, or even appearing on a podcast without first seeking approval from higher-ups in their department. The faculty speech rule appeared to be in response to President Donald Trump issuing an executive order that forbade the nation’s military service academies from “promoting, advancing or otherwise inculcating” ideas the administration dubbed “divisive,” “radical” or “un-American.” "We're pleased with the outcome of the case to date, and with this development," attorney Jonathan Goldman, who represents Brakken, told Military.com. "The court entered a very thorough and exhaustive decision on the relevant legal issues. We think, and obviously professor Bakken thinks, the outcome is fair and just." Neither West Point nor the Trump Administration responded to multiple email requests from Military.com for comment or reaction.
