West Point Faces Lawsuit Over Firing of Climate Scientist
Dr. Adam Kalkstein, the only climate scientist at the United States Military Academy at West Point, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that he was dismissed for continuing to teach about human-caused climate change. The lawsuit, filed on August 24, 2026, in the Southern District of New York, claims that Kalkstein's termination violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and academic freedom.
Kalkstein, a tenured geography professor, was informed in May 2025 that his position was being eliminated as part of a reduction in force, despite West Point's concurrent expansion of its humanities center with new geography hires. Following this, Kalkstein accepted a term-employee status funded by a $750,000 external grant, relinquishing his tenure and associated severance rights.
In September 2025, faculty at an emergency geography-program meeting were directed to exclude human causes of climate change from their curriculum. Kalkstein objected to this directive during a presentation to Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves, then dean of West Point’s academic board, in November 2025. Kalkstein reportedly stated that omitting anthropogenic causes would make him a 'liar and a fraud,' prompting Reeves to suggest his resignation.
By spring 2026, Kalkstein's contract was not renewed, with the official reason cited as 'poor character and temperament,' specifically referencing the November confrontation, despite his history of 'outstanding' evaluations.
The lawsuit seeks Kalkstein's reinstatement, injunctions against further curriculum restrictions, and monetary damages. West Point has acknowledged the allegations but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.