Defamation Lawsuit Against Student Publication Dismissed

Notre Dame Professor's Claims of False Coverage on Abortion Advocacy Found Unfounded

Judge Steven David of St. Joseph County Superior Court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by University of Notre Dame sociology professor Tamara Kay against student-run publication The Irish Rover.
The lawsuit was over the publication's coverage of Kay's advocacy for abortion rights, which she claimed was false and defamatory.
Kay's lawsuit disputed some quotes used by the newspaper and claimed it misinterpreted a sign on her door about helping students access health care.
Kay alleged she had been harassed, threatened, and experienced property damage as a result of the articles.
The dismissal of the lawsuit has raised questions about press freedom and academic freedom at the university.