Tufts University Sues to Keep Professor Terminated

The university is challenging an arbitration ruling that ordered the reinstatement of a theater professor.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Sex Life

Tufts University Sues to Keep Professor Terminated

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Tufts University filed a federal lawsuit in October 2026 seeking to overturn an arbitrator's decision that mandated the return of professor Ted Simpson. Simpson was previously fired following an investigation into sexual activity in his office.

Why it matters

The university contends that reinstating a professor who violated sexual misconduct policies poses a significant risk to students. They argue that the decision undermines the school's commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.

The investigation centered on an incident from March 25, 2025, when a student reported sexual noises coming from the office. The professor, who has a teaching record spanning two decades, claimed he was watching the 1986 film Betty Blue.

The players

Ted Simpson

He is a theater professor at Tufts University who was fired after admitting to sexual activity in his office.

Elizabeth Neumeier

She is the arbitrator who ordered the reinstatement of the professor in September 2026.

Tufts University

This is a private research university that is currently challenging an arbitration award in federal court.

SEIU Local 509

This is the labor union that represented the professor during the arbitration process.

The details

An undergraduate student alerted the university's Office of Equal Opportunity after hearing suspicious noises, leading to an investigation that found the audio did not match the professor's film claim. While the arbitrator issued a written reprimand, Tufts maintains that Simpson also lied during their formal inquiry.

March 25, 2025: Student reports hearing sexual noises from the professor's office.
July 2025: SEIU Local 509 brings Simpson's case to arbitration.
September 2026: Arbitrator orders the professor reinstated.
October 2026: Tufts University files a federal lawsuit to vacate the award.

Culture Shift

This case reflects a broader tension between collective bargaining agreements and the strict enforcement of campus safety protocols. The university's efforts to vacate the award highlight a departure from traditional arbitration deference when sexual misconduct policies are central to the dispute.

The litigation creates uncertainty for Medford residents and students regarding the future of campus faculty standards. The resolution of this case will likely determine how the university handles internal investigations and union-backed appeals moving forward.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the complex legal hurdles institutions face when disciplining employees protected by union contracts. Maintaining rigorous conduct standards often requires balancing contractual obligations with the duty to provide a secure environment.