“Can the professor counter-sue?”
Yes. As someone in academia (but not for much longer), I thank God for organizations like FIRE. Please remember them when you are thinking of worthy donations (like the Scooter Libby Defense Fund).
Note: I have no vested interest, financial or otherwise, in FIRE.
Retiring or just fed up enough to get out? What level do you teach? I'm in the public high schools and teach deep in the inner city. I thank God I should be able to retire in about four years. My wife will have full retirement and I'll be taking early retirement. What subjects do you teach?
FIRE is one of the best organizations going. They are fighting on the front lines/ the University Propaganda Machines/ and they are winning, case by case. Definitely a worthy cause.