Daniel Grossenbach, a Christian ethics professor formerly teaching part-time at the University of Arizona, has filed a lawsuit alleging the university dismissed him in retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights. Grossenbach coordinated and spoke publicly on parental rights at Catalina Foothills School District meetings, criticizing the district’s use of gender identity surveys and secret pronoun lists without notifying parents.
According to the legal complaint, Grossenbach founded the nonprofit SaveCFSD in 2023 to educate parents regarding policies he viewed as violations of family rights. After delivering brief, civil remarks at public school board meetings, he faced anonymous complaints labeling him as leader of an “anti-gay hate group” and accusing him of spreading misinformation about school policies.
In November 2023, the university informed Grossenbach his part-time contract would not be renewed, citing budget reallocation to a full-time faculty hire. The lawsuit contests that claim, noting the ethics course was eliminated and adjunct roles matching his qualifications were advertised shortly thereafter.
Grossenbach also alleges the university delayed releasing public records for 239 days, only producing heavily redacted documents after legal pressure, in violation of Arizona’s transparency laws.
The lawsuit states the termination damaged his career trajectory, ended his doctoral pursuit, diminished earning capacity, and cost him a textbook deal. He is seeking reinstatement, back pay, reputational damages, and an injunction against policies he claims suppress free speech.
Liberty Counsel represents Grossenbach, asserting that the termination violated free speech and religious rights protected by the Constitution and Title VII. Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel’s founder, emphasized that public university faculty do not forfeit rights to speech or religious expression when employed.
The case highlights growing concerns around academic freedom and religious expression in higher education. If successful, it may set precedent strengthening protections for faculty seeking to speak on public issues grounded in faith.
