By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Feb 6, 2025 / 10:00 am
An Indiana appeals court recently upheld a ruling that dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by a Notre Dame professor against an independent student newspaper.
The lawsuit was brought by sociology professor Tamara Kay, who claimed that the Irish Rover newspaper misrepresented her views by portraying her as supportive of expanding access to abortion. The articles in question alleged that Kay was involved in pro-abortion activism, including efforts to provide students with emergency contraception and abortifacients.
Kay specifically contested the newspaper’s interpretation of a sign on her office door, which she said was related to student health issues and not specifically about abortion.
In response to the lawsuit, the Irish Rover filed an anti-SLAPP motion, seeking to prevent legal action that could suppress free speech rights. The case was dismissed by Judge Steven David in January 2024, citing that the statements made in the articles were true and lawful.
Following an appeal by Kay, the appellate court upheld the dismissal, affirming that the trial court’s decision was justified.
