A tenured art professor who was fired Sept. 12 from the University of South Dakota for social media comments he made Sept. 11 about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sued the college and South Dakota Board of Regents officials this week.

Phillip Michael Hook has taught at USD since 2006 and is suing SDBOR President Tim Rave, USD President Sheila Gestring and USD College of Fine Arts Dean Bruce Kelley for his termination. The lawsuit was filed Sept. 23.

Hook and his attorney, James Leach, of Rapid City, have moved for a temporary restraining order to keep USD and SDBOR officials from retaliating against him, continuing his administrative leave, or holding a personal conference with him Sept. 29. He also requests attorney fees and costs, and other and further relief

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