The University of Arkansas abruptly withdrew its offer to Emily Suski as incoming dean of the law school less than a week after announcing her selection, citing concerns from “key external stakeholders” about her background and positions on transgender athletes. The decision has sparked complaints from faculty and civil rights groups that it undermines academic freedom.
Suski, a professor and associate dean at the University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law, had been offered the position with an annual salary of $350,000. She said Thursday she was “disappointed and hurt” by the university’s reversal, adding that the decision was “not in any way a reflection of my qualifications” but stemmed from influence by external individuals.
The university said in a statement that it “decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy” after receiving feedback “about the fit” between Suski and the university. UA spokesperson John Thomas said the university has not previously experienced a similar situation at the law school.
The move follows complaints from Republican lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester and Attorney General Tim Griffin, who raised concerns about Suski’s involvement in a brief defending transgender students’ rights to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. Arkansas has a similar law in effect. Hester said he was concerned the next generation of lawyers and judges would be educated by someone who “doesn’t understand the difference between a man and a woman.”
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge also expressed support for the university’s decision. Sanders’ spokesperson said the governor “appreciates the University of Arkansas for reaching the commonsense decision on this matter in the best interests of students.”
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, condemned the decision. Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, said the move could “chill” faculty speech and deter scholars from taking positions on controversial issues. Will Creeley, legal director at FIRE, called the decision “political interference in academic decision-making” and a threat to academic freedom.
Suski had been one of 17 law professors to sign an amicus brief arguing that Title IX protects transgender students from being denied school sports benefits based on sex. Experts say the brief presented a narrow legal argument and did not advocate for broad policy changes.
University officials said they remain grateful for Suski’s interest in the position and “wish Professor Suski well as she moves forward with her career.”
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI