Support Dr. Melvin Villaver's Fight for Free Speech

I am writing this on behalf of Dr. Melvin Earl Villaver, Jr.

Melvin was an Assistant Professor at Clemson University, where he devoted his career to teaching, mentoring students, and creating classrooms rooted in dialogue and respect. His teaching evaluations have been consistently stellar, his scholarship respected, and his commitment to community and faith unwavering. He is the kind of professor who invests in his students’ growth not just academically, but personally.

Despite this record of excellence, Melvin was terminated by Clemson University after a wave of political pressure surrounding his personal social media posts. While his intent was never to harm, outside groups seized on this moment to call for his removal. The university chose to dismiss him, disregarding both his spotless teaching record and the outpouring of support from students, colleagues, and legislators.

This is devastatingly unfair. What has happened here is not simply about one professor — it is about whether academic freedom and free speech still have a place in our universities. If Melvin can be silenced for protected expression, then every educator and student in higher education is vulnerable.

We are asking for your support to help him through this fight. Funds will go toward legal expenses, living costs, and ensuring that Melvin can continue standing up for his rights — and, by extension, for the rights of all educators and students.

We are deeply grateful for the love already shown by his community, his students, and all who know his heart. With your help, Melvin can keep fighting not only for his livelihood, but for the principle that universities should remain places of learning, not censorship.

Thank you for standing with him in this critical moment.