The Lexington Herald-Leader reports tenured UK law school professor Ramsi Woodcock was in court Friday, seeking a ruling that would return him to the classroom. The professor had sought a temporary injunction earlier this month that would have allowed him to come back during the spring 2026 semester while halting UK's internal investigation into his posts.
On his website called the “Antizionist Legal Studies Movement," Woodcock had circulated a petition calling for worldwide war on Israel until the country has "submitted permanently and unconditionally to the government of Palestine."
The professor won legal representation from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, sometimes abbreviated FIRE, which said Woodcock’s comments were "clearly protected speech on a matter of public concern."
UK President Eli Capilouto said the comments “can be interpreted as antisemitic in accordance with state and federal guidance.”
UK’s attorney said Woodcock has been paid and received full benefits while suspended. The representative for UK also argued the removal of professors during an investigation is common practice.