Overview
- The University of Arkansas confirmed on Jan. 14 that it withdrew its offer to Emily Suski to lead the law school, a move she called disappointing and influenced by external actors.
- Senate leaders Bart Hester and Dan Sullivan contacted university officials about Suski’s past legal positions, with Hester urging the reversal and pointing to the legislature’s control over funding.
- Objections focused on Suski’s signature on an amicus brief in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. BPJ, cases on transgender girls’ participation in sports argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Republican officials, including the governor’s office, applauded the decision, while the ACLU of Arkansas, FIRE, and multiple academics warned of a chilling effect on academic freedom.
- The Arkansas Bar Association flagged concerns about penalizing lawful legal advocacy, law students organized a campus protest, and legal scholars said Suski may have plausible contract or constitutional claims.