September 24, 2014 5:05 PM

Appeals court sides against critic of Rep. Gohmert who called him a fear monger

University employee criticized Gohmert and declined an invitation from him to participate in event; strained relationship with the congressman

You might not like East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert or his politics, but if you’re acting in your capacity as a staff member of Stephen F Austin State University, your job is to keep your opinion to yourself, on your own time.

An opinion out of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals today tells a little known story of university art curator Christian Cutler, who was fired by the university after he told one of Gohmert’s staff that he considered Gohmert to be a “fear monger.”

Back in 2010, Gohmert’s asked Cutler to jury a high school art competition. After some thought and with a few choice comments, Cutler refused. Unhappy with the response, Gohmert then sent a letter to Cutler, carbon copied to the university president, that he “would not bother (Cutler) in any way in the future” nor offer the university future invitations.