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Former Ole Miss Staffer Sues Chancellor Over Firing Tied to Private Instagram Repost

She claims the dismissal over comments about Charlie Kirk violated her First Amendment rights as a public employee.

Overview

  • Lauren Stokes filed a federal complaint on Oct. 21 naming Chancellor Glenn Boyce in his official and personal capacities.
  • Stokes, a former executive assistant in the development office, alleges she was placed on leave, asked to resign, and then fired on Sept. 11 after seeking legal counsel.
  • Boyce released a statement at the time calling the reposted comments "hurtful" and "insensitive" and saying they conflicted with institutional values.
  • The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and a declaration that Boyce violated her constitutional rights.
  • According to the complaint, HR advised her to ask Oxford police to monitor her off‑campus restaurant, and she reports threats that forced a two‑week closure; a university spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation.