"In contrast to the media frenzy over Tracy’s research on the Newtown incident, in which he was viciously attacked in op-eds, letters to the editor, and news st...ories in print and on television, there is a conspicuous silence now that the case will proceed to trial. A legal victory for Professor Tracy would set a major precedent for free speech and academic freedom jurisprudence, and would decisively bolster safeguards for university employees—and indeed all employees—to comment freely on matters of public importance without fear of losing their jobs... Should Tracy lose his case, the outcome would be disastrous for free speech rights. A decision favoring FAU’s defense could be used by almost any employer, academic or otherwise, to further unconstitutionally monitor and restrict employee expression."