Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Patrick in lecture
&gt; Neither UTMB nor Texas A&amp;M would confirm what Alonzo said that prompted such a reaction, and UTMB students interviewed by the Tribune recalled a vague reference to Patrick’s office but nothing specific.<p>Without knowing what was allegedly said, this is difficult to judge, although I would certainly be inclined to side with the professor given what&#x27;s been reported so far.<p>Professors should be given wide latitude to discuss matters of academic interest, and the opioid crisis and political decisions contributing to it certainly qualify.<p>On the other hand, if she made a snide comment about the TX Lt. Governor without grounding it in policy, that&#x27;s not good.  However, professors are only human, and I don&#x27;t think it would be fair or reasonable to impose disciplinary action for isolated cases.  It might potentially be worthy of disciplinary action in some cases, though... IF it was that kind of comment, and IF it was more than an isolated case.<p>Why?  Because while private individuals are free to talk about anything they want, professors are supposed to be maintaining an environment of thoughtful academic discourse, and certain kinds of biased comments do not, therefore disciplinary (not legal) action might at some point be warranted.  Far fetched?  It&#x27;s not as if it&#x27;s unheard of for professors who disagree with politicians to go on fact-free political rants these days.