University of Arkansas abruptly withdrew incoming law dean’s offer. Here’s what happened.

The University of Arkansas’ reversal of its offer to hire Emily Suski as its next law school dean has sparked concerns that the decision chills faculty’s free speech.

The university said it was withdrawing the offer after key Republicans raised concerns about Suski’s background and legal positions on transgender athletes.

The Fayetteville school is the latest to be embroiled in a debate over academic freedom as Republicans nationwide focus on college curricula. 

Here’s what to know about what’s happened at the UA:

Who is Emily Suski?

Suski is a professor and associate dean at University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law. Her areas of expertise include education law, particularly Title IX and civil rights in public schools, according to her USC biography. 

She holds degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University of North Carolina. 

She’s spoken regularly in public and been quoted in multiple media outlets about Title IX. When she was hired, the UA praised Suski’s “extensive experience” in legal education and the practice of law.

Why did the university reverse course?

The university announced to law school faculty on Wednesday that it had changed its mind, saying it “decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy.”

The university said it had heard from “key external stakeholders” before its abrupt decision. Though university officials haven’t identified those stakeholders, top Republicans have said they raised concerns about Suski.

What were Republicans’ complaints? 

Republicans who have said they were concerned about Suski include Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester and Attorney General Tim Griffin. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders hasn’t said whether she intervened, but released a statement applauding the university for its decision away from Suski.

Hester has said he objected to Suski signing on to a friend-of-the-court brief along with other law professors. The brief was on behalf of attorneys challenging laws prohibiting transgender athletes in school sports.

Hester also cited a 2022 letter Suski signed with other professors in support of Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s pick for the U.S. Supreme Court.

What has Suski said?

Suski has said she was disappointed by the university’s decision and the influence outside critics had. 

“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,” Suski said in a statement released Thursday night. “Questions concerning that feedback are best directed to the University of Arkansas.”

What do critics of UA’s decision say?

The decision has prompted criticism from Democratic lawmakers and advocates around the country, who say it sends a dangerous message to professors.

An official with the American Association of University Professors called the university’s move “really chilling.” Other groups criticizing the move include the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and PEN America.

The Arkansas Bar Association issued a statement from its president that it had no comment on whether the decision was political in nature; however, it was concerned about the extent to which the decision was related to a lawyer taking a legal position.

What happens next?

University officials are seeking nominations for an interim dean, according to an email sent to staff on Feb. 6. Cynthia Nance will continue to serve as dean through June 30 as planned, and the interim dean would begin July 1.