In April 2023, Ohio Northern University (ONU) law professor Scott Gerber was unexpectedly removed from his classroom by campus security and informed that he must resign or face termination. The university cited concerns about his “collegiality” but did not provide specific details. Gerber, a tenured professor since 2001, had been a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, raising questions about the motivations behind his dismissal.
Following his removal, Gerber pursued legal action against ONU, alleging that his termination was retaliatory and violated his contractual rights. The case garnered significant attention, with organizations such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) advocating on his behalf. In May 2023, FIRE called on ONU to provide Gerber with detailed information about the allegations against him and to uphold his academic freedom.
In January 2024, Gerber filed a lawsuit in Ohio state court, claiming breach of contract and other violations stemming from his termination. The university responded by filing a federal lawsuit against Gerber, accusing him of pursuing personal vendettas and political retribution. This move was criticized by legal experts as an attempt to silence Gerber’s criticisms and was seen as an abuse of the legal system to suppress dissent.
After a prolonged legal battle, the parties reached a settlement in March 2025. The agreement stipulated that ONU would reinstate Gerber to his former position and faculty rank, after which he would immediately retire. Additionally, Gerber agreed not to publish a memoir titled “Cancelled,” which was expected to detail his experiences during the dispute. The university also agreed to drop its federal lawsuit against him.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions in academia surrounding DEI policies and the boundaries of academic freedom. It underscores the importance of transparent and fair procedures when addressing faculty conduct and the potential consequences of administrative actions perceived as retaliatory.