A federal judge has intervened in a controversial policy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA) that restricted civilian faculty members from speaking to external audiences without prior approval. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel ruled that the Academic Engagement Policy likely infringes on the First Amendment rights of professors, stating that the justifications provided by the military do not justify such broad limitations on speech. The policy, enacted after an executive order from former President Trump, mandated faculty to seek permission for engagements related to their expertise, including conferences and media appearances. Professor Tim Bakken initiated a class-action lawsuit against the policy, which he argued stifled academic freedom and personal expression in the classroom. Judge Seibel's ruling dismissed the Justice Department's claims that the case should be handled by a specialty board, emphasizing that conjecture about military readiness does not warrant limiting faculty speech. While the ruling protects civilian faculty, it does not extend to those on active duty, who are still bound by the policy.