The Backstory
Nearly three years ago, a few of my 600 students decided that I was a "woke" professor who was pushing a "political narrative." They sold a story that got me fired from my university teaching job. Their story was a lie.
Two of those students filed a FEDERAL lawsuit against me, claiming I'd infringed on their civil rights. Curiously, they were represented by a politically motivated law firm that was deemed a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Upon filing the lawsuit, the students and their attorney went on a media tour, spreading false information about me. Media outlets used the case as fodder for headlines and talk show debates.
And then they moved on to their next target.
I was harassed, threatened, and forced into hiding.
I quickly sold our home and used the profits from that sale to purchase a used RV. My two young kids and I drove out of town in the middle of the night and stayed off the grid for as long as possible.
When I finally decided it might be safe to resurface, I discovered the devastating damage my reputation had suffered as a result of their slander.
I applied to HUNDREDS of jobs and never received a response. Not a single interview. Not even a single rejection letter.
Thanks to this smear campaign, I was (and still am) unemployable.
It's time to change my name.
I conducted a little test run and applied for a few jobs with a different last name. After 2.5 years of unemployment, I finally got a response. It was a rejection letter, but still. Imagine my elation when, for the first time in forever, I finally received an email from a prospective employer.
Before I continued to apply for jobs with a "stage name," I consulted family members and close friends. We discussed the benefits and downfalls of legally changing my name.
What name should I choose?
Maybe I could consider my grandma's maiden name? Or possibly another name from my family's lineage? I figured I could call my Aunt Jeannette to see which names show up on our Ancestry Family Tree most frequently.
Or possibly I could create a different name altogether?
I wondered how people choose a new name out of thin air. I guess it's like anything else; you just pick a word that's meaningful for you.
I worried about my kids. Would they want a new last name? They'd certainly be safer. But would they always look back and wish I'd have kept Wisner as our last name?
I spent a great deal of time considering this change.
And then, something incredible happened...
The federal lawsuit against me was dismissed outright. (Yes, I buried the lede. But, it was for the plot!)
When my attorneys notified me of the judge's decision to dismiss the case, I quietly celebrated over the mac and cheese that was bubbling on the stove. I felt a wave of relief that this was finally over.
I quickly handed little bowls of mac and cheese to Olivia and Caleb. Then, I proceeded to send text messages to the people who supported me the most throughout all of this. When I excitedly messaged my friends Sierra and Jordan, "The judge dismissed the case! It's finally over!" Without missing a beat, Sierra replied, "It's time to change your name to Amy "Case Dismissed" Wisner." And I couldn't have come up with a more joy-filled, satisfying, and nervous-system-regulating name myself. It's perfect!
So there you have it, my friends. I'm changing my name. But you can still call me Amy Wisner. The middle name is a mere formality anyway.
Let’s Celebrate Together!
I am ready to rebuild, and I'm starting with something new and close to my heart: The Art of Human Connection.
What: A casual, virtual workshop that blends conscious communication with a little creativity. (No artistic skills required!)
Where: Zoom (link sent via email)
When: October 3 at 1:00 PM ET (recording will be sent afterward)
During this casual, virtual workshop, I will share the heart of my "controversial" content from "The Rebellion," which is focused on expression, reflection, and connection.
You'll walk away with
A stronger sense of who you are and what truly matters to you
Tools to communicate with more kindness, empathy, and clarity
The ability to stay grounded in what matters most (instead of being pulled into headlines and division)
This isn't political.
This is not about left vs. right, it's about reclaiming our collective humanity.
If you've been flabbergasted by the hatred, division, and lack of empathy in the world and you're ready to reconnect with what truly matters, please join me.
The Art of Human Connection
This "pay what you want" workshop is my way of reconnecting with my purpose in a way that meets you where you are. To receive registration details:
Sign up for my "Older and Wisner" newsletter ($1)
Join as an "Older and Wisner" monthly member ($10/mo)
Sign up for my writing group ($25/mo)
Or just Venmo me whatever feels right: @amywisner (last four 2556)
If you can't spare $1, please send me a private message and I'll send you the registration details directly. I understand that times are hard right now, and I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and heard. Human connection is fundamental to our survival.
I look forward to connecting with you.
Love, Amy "CD" Wisner ;)