The go-ahead was given to a one-time SFA employee to proceed with his federal civil lawsuit filed against the university.

The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled Monday that former SFA Gallery director Christian Cutler can move forward with the legal matter against top university officials.

Cutler is saying he lost his job in 2010 for saying no to Congressman Louie Gohmer's request to judge an art show and referring to the politician as a "fear monger".

Cutler resigned, but later sued the University for violating his rights to free speech, saying his First Amendment rights were violated.

His attorney is saying the decision may lead to settlement talks.