FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — More than 150 law professors from universities across the country have signed a letter concerning the University of Arkansas’ decision to revoke its offer to a law school dean.
The university named Emily Suski the new Dean of the School of Law on Jan. 9. Suski is currently a Professor of Law and the Associate Dean of Strategic and Institutional Priorities at the University of South Carolina. She was set to assume the role on July 1.
However, on Jan. 14, the university rescinded Suski’s offer, stating it “decided to go in a different direction in filling the vacancy” due to “receiving feedback from key external stakeholders.”
Multiple state lawmakers responded to the university’s decision. Rep. Nicole Clowney (D-Fayetteville), who teaches at the University of Arkansas, said in a social media post that the decision was “a horrifying, unprecedented, and absolutely unconstitutional abuse of state power.”
Sen. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) also issued a lengthy statement, saying in part, “A few delicate souls down at the Capitol took issue with Professor Suski’s signing on to an amicus brief in a lawsuit challenging transgender athletes and communicated those concerns to the decision-makers. And fearing what might happen, the decision-makers reversed course.”
In response to the decision, Suski previously provided the following statement to KNWA/FOX24:
“After a rigorous review process, I was honored to be selected to lead the University of Arkansas School of Law and was preparing to serve the students, faculty, and the state of Arkansas with integrity and commitment. I am disappointed and hurt by the University’s decision to rescind my contract. I have been informed that the decision was not in any way a reflection of my qualifications to serve as dean, but rather the result of influence from external individuals.”
Less than a week after the university decided to rescind the offer, UA law students organized a peaceful protest on campus.
On Feb. 1, a letter was sent to the Arkansas General Assembly, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Provost Indrajeet Chaubey and University of Arkansas System President Jay Silveria.
In the letter, more than 150 law professors expressed concerns about the decision to rescind Suski’s offer.
“As lawyers and law professors, we are deeply disturbed by the process that yielded this result, and its consequences for academic freedom and the full participation of academics in the legal process,” the letter said.
The professors go on to say they believe that Sen. Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) “appears to have played a role in this process.”
“It does not reflect well on the State of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas, or others involved, that the sound decision of the University of Arkansas School of Law, together with the university administration, appears to have been overridden by the ill-informed whim of any legislator,” the professors wrote.
The full letter can be found below.
In response to the letter, a spokesperson for Gov. Sanders gave KNWA/FOX24 the following statement:
“Governor Sanders appreciates the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, for reaching the commonsense decision on this matter in the best interests of students.”
A spokesperson for the University of Arkansas System provided the following comment on the letter:
“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback and additional context provided as part of this organized effort to circulate the letter. President Silveria has steadfastly supported Chancellor Robinson and Provost Chaubey and their decision to act in the best interest of the University on this issue.”
A University of Arkansas spokesperson had no further comment on the letter.
