Amarillo Federal Court
Federal Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk denied part of a motion by FIRE, a group known for supporting free speech on college campuses, to reinstate a student-organized event canceled by West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler.
In the order, which was filed on Monday, Judge Kacsmaryk stated that “without prejudice to any other relief requested by Plaintiffs in the Complaint or PI Motion, this Court FINDS that the ex parte TRO requirements of Rule 65(b)(1)(B) are not satisfied.”
Instead of granting immediate relief, Judge Kacsmaryk ordered that the defendants in the case must file a response to the motion for relief by 10:00 am on Thursday. As the canceled event is scheduled for Friday, there could potentially be time for the event to be restored by the court.
In a separate order filed Tuesday, Judge Kacsmaryk granted a motion from the Plaintiffs to allow FIRE attorney JT Morris to represent the defendants in the case. Typically, counsel in a case within a United States District Court is required to reside or maintain their office in the district or have their principal office within 50 miles of the courthouse. In his order, Judge Kacsmaryk cited the fact that Morris is a resident of Texas familiar with the court’s rules and practice and the fact that the motion was not opposed by the defendants.