Penn Law Professor Amy Wax Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Racial Discrimination Over Sanctions

Amy Wax claims the University of Pennsylvania violated her rights by selectively disciplining her for controversial remarks while tolerating other faculty speech.

• Amy Wax, a tenured professor at Penn Law, has sued the university in federal court, alleging racial discrimination and breach of contract over disciplinary actions taken against her.
• The lawsuit argues that Penn selectively enforced its speech policies, punishing Wax for remarks critical of affirmative action and minority students while tolerating other controversial speech, such as anti-Semitic statements.
• Wax was sanctioned in 2023 with a one-year suspension at half-pay, the loss of her named chair, and restrictions on representing herself as a Penn faculty member, following years of contentious remarks and actions.
• Her legal team contends that Penn’s actions violated Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, the First Amendment, and her contractual tenure protections, while also alleging procedural flaws in the university’s disciplinary process.
• The case highlights broader debates over academic freedom, free speech, and alleged double standards in university responses to controversial faculty speech.

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