Pennsylvania State Senator and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano sued a Canadian university and nearly two dozen academics for defamation, racketeering, and antitrust violations over criticism of his research into World War I hero Sgt. Alvin York. The lawsuit seeks at least $10 million in damages and has been met with a motion seeking its dismissal.
The case was filed in an Oklahoma federal court and argues that Mastriano is trying to silence critics of his scholarship through legal means that stretch antitrust and racketeering laws. Critics have questioned Mastriano’s claims about York and World War I, leading to backlash and negative attention.
The University of New Brunswick administrators and staff argue that the case is a dispute over academic protocol and should be resolved internally, rather than through legal action. Mastriano claims he has suffered significant financial and personal harm due to the criticisms, including loss of book sales and job opportunities.
Mastriano’s lawsuit has caused a stir in academic circles and is being closely watched by legal experts. The case highlights the intersection of academic freedom, political ambition, and legal recourse for perceived defamation. Mastriano has not responded to requests for comment, and the University of New Brunswick officials and lawyers have also declined to comment.
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