Former lecturer at UMKC wins round in federal court

has won a round in federal court in his ongoing lawsuit against officials at UMKC.

Lyons claims the school refused to re-hire him as a part-time lecturer after he publicly complained that an athlete in one of his classes received preferential treatment from university officials.

Lyons says that violates his First Amendment rights.

Monday, federal judge

declined to dismiss his case against the school, saying there isn’t yet enough information to determine if Lyons acted improperly.

UMKC officials have broadly rejected Lyons’ allegations concerning the athlete, calling them “baseless” and “unsubstantiated.”

The NCAA investigated the original allegations and did not penalize the school.

This story was originally published March 4, 2014 at 9:27 AM with the headline "Former lecturer at UMKC wins round in federal court."