Overview
- The university confirmed on Jan. 14 that it withdrew Emily Suski’s appointment after feedback from “key external stakeholders.”
- Suski, a University of South Carolina law professor, had signed an amicus brief in Supreme Court cases involving transgender participation in women’s sports.
- State Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester said he urged officials to reverse the hire and, while denying explicit threats, pointed to legislative control over funding.
- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office praised the decision, while the ACLU of Arkansas and FIRE warned it sends a chilling message about faculty speech.
- Suski said she was told the decision reflected outside influence rather than her qualifications, and Democratic Rep. Nicole Clowney called the episode a dangerous precedent.