A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Military Academy at West Point cannot enforce restrictions on what its professors say or publish in public, declaring the academy’s speech policy unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel issued the ruling on Tuesday, permanently barring West Point from enforcing the restrictions and preventing the academy from limiting law professor Tim Bakken’s ability to express his views to students and in public forums.

West Point’s policy, introduced in early 2025, required faculty members to seek approval before publishing papers, speaking at conferences, or appearing on podcasts. The new rules were implemented shortly after then-President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting military academies from promoting ideas deemed “radical,” “divisive,” or “un-American.” The policy had been criticized as overly broad and restrictive toward academic freedom.

Bakken, one of West Point’s earliest civilian hires and a critic of the academy’s culture, challenged the policy in court, arguing it violated the First Amendment. Over his more than 30-year tenure, Bakken gained recognition for his outspoken critiques of the military institution. In a 2020 book titled “The Cost of Loyalty,” he argued that the U.S. military’s culture of unquestioning obedience and aversion to internal criticism contributed to its failure in conflicts. This summer, Bakken published another book critical of the military without submitting it for academy approval, a step the policy would have required and that could have led to his dismissal.

In her three-page judgment, Seibel permanently enjoined West Point from enforcing the speech rules and prohibited the academy from barring Bakken from sharing his opinions on subjects he teaches. Bakken praised the ruling as a reaffirmation of First Amendment protections and academic freedom, calling it a “cause for celebration” and expressing relief that West Point professors could now speak without fear of punishment.

West Point and the Department of Defense have not publicly commented on the ruling. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously criticized what he describes as the introduction of “woke” values at the academy, particularly among non-military faculty.

The case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges brought during Trump’s second term, contesting policies that critics say undermine constitutional rights. Other lawsuits have raised issues involving protesters’ rights and tribal due process protections related to trade policies.

Ahead of Tuesday’s ruling, Seibel had signaled her inclination to find the policy unconstitutional. West Point’s legal team cooperated with Bakken’s attorneys to draft a final judgment, reportedly seeking to resolve the case quickly without trial or discovery. An assistant U.S. attorney indicated that the government might appeal the decision.