Fired prof sues ‘tyrannical’ Walz over COVID vax mandate

‘My hope is that this case results in a solid legal repudiation of the tyrannical, extra-legal policy of Gov. Walz, and sets a precedent against future abuses of this kind.’

By Jenna Gloeb, Alpha News – April 11, 2025

Russell Stewart, a former professor at Lake Superior College, has filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Tim Walz and several college administrators, alleging wrongful termination over his refusal to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination or testing mandate.

“My hope is that this case results in a solid legal repudiation of the tyrannical, extra-legal policy of Gov. Walz, and sets a precedent against future abuses of this kind,” Stewart said.

Fired after 30 years of teaching

Stewart, who taught ethics and philosophy at the Duluth-based institution for three decades, was fired in March 2022 after declining to follow the mandate implemented during the 2021-2022 academic year. He argues that the requirement violated his constitutional rights, particularly after he acquired natural immunity following a COVID-19 infection in December 2021.

Stewart says he had planned to continue teaching until retiring at age 65. But at 57, he was terminated—just six weeks before the Walz administration rescinded the mandatory COVID vaccination policy, adding insult to injury.

“It is a civil rights case based on a number of First and Fourteenth Amendment claims. We are asking that I be reinstated to my job,” said Stewart.

Interview led to legal support

In a September 2024 interview with Alpha News, Stewart criticized Walz’s handling of the mandate, describing him as “a petty tyrant” and questioning the legality of the policy, especially since it was enacted after the state’s emergency powers had been lifted.

Stewart says it was after that interview that the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA), a nonpartisan civil rights firm, reached out to him.

“After reviewing all the documentation that I had … they agreed to represent me,” Stewart said, adding, “I have wanted to pursue this issue in court since the beginning, but did not have the means. Thankfully the NCLA is providing pro-bono representation.”

Civil liberties firm seeks reinstatement

The NCLA says it is seeking Stewart’s reinstatement and a declaration that the mandate and subsequent termination were unconstitutional.

“Professor Stewart, who was beloved by students and colleagues alike, did nothing wrong by refusing to submit to an irrational, arbitrary medical protocol imposed by Gov. Walz. LSC added insult to injury by also punishing him for exercising his First Amendment rights. His termination, after three decades of service to LSC and his community, was not only unlawful but cruel. He must be reinstated as soon as possible to rectify this injustice,” Jenin Younes, litigation counsel for NCLA, said in a statement.

The Upper Midwest Law Center is serving as local counsel in the case.

As of publication, representatives for Walz and Lake Superior College had not publicly responded to the lawsuit or Alpha News’ inquiries.

PHOTO: Russell Stewart/ | Courtesy photo