(NEW YORK)–The University of Arkansas has rescinded its job offer to legal scholar Emily Suski, who had been slated to become dean of the School of Law, due to pressure from state politicians. The University’s official statement cited feedback from “key external stakeholders”
about the fit between Suski and the position, but reporting by the New York Times makes clear that the pressure came from state legislators who disapproved of Suski signing an amicus brief filed last year with the Supreme Court in support of transgender student athletes.
“Rescinding a dean’s appointment because of politicians’ objections is a blatant violation of academic freedom and an alarming act of political interference,” said Kristen Shahverdian, program director for Campus Free Speech at PEN America. “If these ‘key external stakeholders’ were not part of the university’s rigorous hiring process, then they are not ‘key’ at all. Universities must be free to rely on the robust expertise of their faculty and governing boards to make the best decision for their institutions, and not be subject to threats by politicians over protected expression.”
This decision follows a disturbing and increasingly familiar pattern in which external meddling on political grounds has led to the withdrawal of employment, tenure, or fellowship positions to otherwise well-qualified scholars, including Ken Roth at Harvard University, Raz Segal at the University of Minnesota, Kathleen McElroy at Texas A&M, and Nikole Hannah-Jones at University of North Carolina.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582