Florida Professor Sues College Over Firing for Assigning Ottessa Moshfegh Story
On July 29, Vinita Prabhakar, an English professor at South Florida State College, initiated a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida following her termination for assigning "Bettering Myself," a 2013 short story by Ottessa Moshfegh. The college president, Fred Hawkins, deemed the story "political," leading to Prabhakar's suspension with pay the following day, along with a notification that her contract would not be extended. The lawsuit contends that her speech is protected by the First Amendment. Having taught the story for almost ten years, focusing on its narrative voice and style, Prabhakar is seeking both reinstatement and backpay. Her legal representation includes the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and Florida attorney Gary Edinger. Hawkins was appointed in 2023 amidst concerns regarding political influence.
Key facts
- Vinita Prabhakar was fired from South Florida State College for assigning Ottessa Moshfegh's short story 'Bettering Myself'.
- College president Fred Hawkins objected to the story, calling it 'political'.
- Prabhakar filed a lawsuit on July 29 in the Southern District of Florida.
- The lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations and seeks reinstatement and backpay.
- Prabhakar had taught the story for nearly 10 years without issue.
- The story includes vulgar language, alcohol and drug use, and sexual acts.
- Prabhakar is represented by FIRE and attorney Gary Edinger.
- Hawkins was appointed in 2023 and lacks teaching and higher education experience.
Entities
Artists
- Vinita Prabhakar
- Fred Hawkins
- Ottessa Moshfegh
- Gary Edinger
- Ron DeSantis
- Charlie Kirk
Institutions
- South Florida State College
- Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
- Florida First Amendment
- USA Today Network
- Freedom Forum
- Journalism Funding Partners
Locations
- Florida
- Avon Park
- Tallahassee
- Southern District of Florida