Clemson University Settles Lawsuit with Former Professor Over Social Media Termination

A federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU of South Carolina against Clemson University and several trustees on behalf of former assistant professor Dr. Joshua Bregy has been settled, with U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin dismissing the case without prejudice or costs after the parties reached an agreement. The suit, filed in October 2025, stemmed from Bregy’s termination over a social media post regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Under the settlement, Clemson will rescind the termination, continue paying Bregy with benefits through the end of his original contract term on May 15, 2026, and have Provost Robert H. Jones provide positive letters of recommendation focused on his teaching performance. In exchange, Bregy will drop the lawsuit, resign effective May 15, 2026, and have no teaching, research, or faculty duties through the spring semester.