Snyder V. Retaliatory Case

Dr. Norm Snyder is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Columbia, where is had been working for the past 20 plus years. The Regents of the University of Columbia terminated him as head of the Department following his very vocal public opposition to the relocation of the Medical School from its current location in Springville to Palatine, 20 miles away. He was allowed to retain his professorship. Dr. Snyder believed that the issue needed to be fully debated so that a decision in the Medical School and greater community’s best interest would be made, and that is why he chose to voice him opposition publicly. When the University approached Dr. Snyder about toning down his opposition to the relocation plan, Dr. Snyder refused. Ultimately the University voted in favor of the relocation, despite much opposition from the community. After the decision, the University notified Dr. Snyder that they were going to revoke his position as Chair of the Department of Medicine. The termination from his position has had a devastating effect on Dr. Snyder on a professional level. Dr. Snyder has come to us seeking to obtain a preliminary injunction against the University based on retaliatory exmployer action in violation of Dr. Snyder’s First Amendment right to …show more content…
Snyder’s Columbia Constitution First Amendment rights have been violated, it is essential to identify the speech that resulted in the alleged retaliation. Dr. Snyder’s speech consisted of statements of opinion in opposition of the University of Columbia’s relocation plan of it’s School of Medicine. In order to obtain a preliminary injunction, a party must demonstrate the following: (1) a substantial likelihood of prevailing on the merits; (2) irreparable harm in the absence of the injunction; (3) the threatened harm outweighs any damage the injunction may cause to the party opposing it; and (4) the injunction, if issued, will not be adverse to the public