US professor fired over Nazi satire video can proceed with suit
Frederick Fagal posted film depicting Marywood University administrators as Nazis
SCRANTON, Pennsylvania — A professor can proceed with his federal lawsuit against a Pennsylvania university that fired him after he posted a satirical video depicting its administrators as Nazis.
The Scranton Times-Tribune reported that Frederick Fagal sued Marywood University in 2014 over his firing two years earlier.
The video spoofed a scene in the 2004 German film “Downfall.” Court documents said Fagal added English subtitles depicting the university’s president and other administrators as Nazis discussing rape plots.
Fagal acknowledged he made the video but argued the university didn’t follow policy by giving him a warning before firing him. He is seeking back pay and reinstatement.
Attorneys for the university and Fagal asked District Judge A. Richard Caputo to decide the case in their favor to avoid a trial.
The judge denied both motions this week, saying a jury should decide.
