According to the relevant state law, given that this contract has an agreed term of employment, it is not terminable at-will. Therefore, it is a contract and the hiring partner's actions constitue an anticipatory breach.
Are there any legal justifications for an anticipatory breach of contract except for issues such as not having the correct credentials for the job - i.e., misrepresentation or something that goes to the fundamental nature of the contract?
In this case, it does not seem possible that someone can breach an employment contract, which is not at-will, for a frivolous reason like sending e-mails the person doesn't like. This does not seem like a legal justification.

