Overview
- Karen Leader and Rebel Cole returned to full duties this week after Florida Atlantic University accepted the investigator’s recommendations.
- The inquiry applied the Pickering public‑employee speech framework and found their comments were personal speech on matters of public concern.
- The report found no credible evidence that the posts disrupted instruction, student welfare, or university operations.
- No formal discipline was recommended, with written guidance on civility and voluntary professional development on social media use advised.
- English professor Kate Polak remains on paid leave under an ongoing review, and Cole’s federal First Amendment lawsuit against FAU continues.