Illinois State Defends Firing Coach Over ‘All Lives Matter’ Sign

Illinois State University’s head football coach and ex-athletic director asked the Central District of Illinois to dismiss a suit by the former offensive coordinator alleging his free speech rights were violated when he was reassigned for hanging an “all lives matter” sign.

Plaintiff Kurt Beathard’s claim that the university didn’t renew his contract in retaliation for his “protected” speech should fail, because he was acting within the scope of his official duties when he posted the message on his door, head coach Brock Spack and former athletic director Larry Lyons said in a motion filed Thursday in the U.S. District ...