Federal lawsuit seeks to dismantle MSU’s Bias Response Team

A politically conservative nonprofit based in Virginia filed a federal lawsuit aiming to dismantle a team at Missouri State University that tracks and responds to allegations of bias.

Defending Education filed the April 21 lawsuit on behalf of three students – who are not named – alleging a team led by MSU administrators that investigates “language or behaviors that demonstrate bias against persons or groups because of ability, race, color, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, faith, national origin, political orientation or sexual orientation” has a chilling effect on students’ ability to talk about political or social issues.

The university’s Bias Response Team was created a decade ago to address incidents that are described as troublesome or offensive but fall short of meeting the criteria to file a formal university complaint of harassment or discrimination.

At the time, according to reporting in the Springfield News-Leader, MSU officials said the creation of the team supported the university’s public affairs mission, which places an emphasis on civility and personal responsibility.

“Threats to free expression and the open exchange of ideas are anathema to the work of educating America's students. Institutions of higher learning should focus on intellectual development, not ideological suppression,” said Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president and senior legal fellow at Defending Education, according to a news release.

“The Supreme Court has noted that classrooms are the ‘nurseries of democracy,’ but Missouri State University seems to have forgotten that by instituting a draconian, anti-speech 'bias' policy. We look forward to vindicating our members' rights in federal court and to the day when all students, of every perspective and belief, can express themselves without fear of reprisal.”

Springfield Business Journal sought comment from MSU. Andrea Mostyn, interim vice president of marketing and communications, responded: “We are aware of the lawsuit, but we don’t comment on pending litigation.”

The lawsuit named MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams, several administrators, and members of the Bias Response Team – led by Dean of Students Andrea Weber – and MSU Board of Governors.

In the past, the group filing suit, formerly known as Parents Defending Education, raised concerns about gender-related and diversity, equity and inclusion policies within Springfield Public Schools. Its stated purpose, according to the website, is to protect “schools at all levels from activists imposing harmful agendas.”

According to the lawsuit, MSU students have been reported to the Bias Response Team for writing a satirical article about safe spaces, retweeting #BlackLives matter, chalking “Build the Wall” on a sidewalk and expressing support for Donald Trump.

At MSU, alleged incidents of bias can be reported online and are evaluated by a team before any action is taken, according to an online description of the process. The team is part of the MSU Dean of Students Office.

The university’s website states education is the goal of any Bias Response Team action and interventions, which are voluntary, may include “discussions, mediation, training, counseling and consensus building.” The team will not seek to discipline individuals for expression of views protected by the First Amendment, according to MSU.

The lawsuit noted other higher education institutions, including the University of Texas and the University of Michigan, disbanded similar response teams after lawsuits alleging students may be fearful to talk about their beliefs or specific topics because they feared reprisal.

Defending Education described the unnamed students behind the lawsuit as a senior and two sophomores who are “politically conservative.” The lawsuit spelled out their beliefs on a range of topics including abortion rights, same-sex marriage, gender identity and immigration.

In recent years, the Trump administration announced plans to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the federal level, and in all levels of public education. Missouri lawmakers have also filed legislation to eliminate or reduce publicly funded DEI efforts.

In 2025, MSU ended its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, closed the Office of Inclusive Engagement, and renamed the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Resource Center as “The Bear Cave.”