University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Professor Faces Half-Pay Suspension for Discriminatory Comments
A professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Amy Wax, has been suspended with half pay and full benefits for the 2025-2026 academic year due to her “discriminatory and disparaging statements.” This decision comes after Wax made controversial remarks that drew widespread criticism and sparked a heated debate within the academic community.
The sanction against Wax includes a public reprimand, loss of her named chair position, loss of summer pay “in perpetuity,” and a requirement to clarify in public appearances that she speaks for herself and not on behalf of the university or its law school. While some students had called for her firing, the punishment was deemed “significant” by The New York Times, although falling short of their expectations.
Wax’s remarks that led to the suspension included warnings against the dominance of the “Asian elite,” immigrants from third-world countries, and the erosion of “bourgeois” habits. She also made controversial statements about same-sex couples’ ability to raise children, entitlement among people of color, the likelihood of Mexican men to assault women, and the academic performance of Black law students. These comments were deemed discriminatory and disparaging by a faculty hearing board.
Provost John L. Jackson Jr. publicly reprimanded Wax in the University of Pennsylvania’s Almanac, citing her history of making derogatory generalizations about groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status. The faculty hearing board found Wax guilty of “flagrant unprofessional conduct” after a hearing in May 2023, leading to the sanctions imposed on her.
Despite the findings, Wax has denied some of the comments attributed to her and argued that others were taken out of context. She has expressed her intention to challenge the discipline in court, according to reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times. However, she did not respond to requests for comment from these publications or an email from the ABA Journal.
The University of Pennsylvania’s handling of the case has been closely scrutinized, with the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility finding no procedural defects in the hearing board’s decision. The school’s former president, M. Elizabeth Magill, accepted the recommendations in August 2023, making the findings final.
Wax’s case has sparked a debate about academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of faculty members in higher education institutions. While some argue that professors should be able to express controversial opinions without fear of retribution, others believe that there should be consequences for making discriminatory and harmful statements.
Moving forward, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School will need to address the fallout from Wax’s suspension and work to ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings.
Impact on Students and Faculty
The suspension of Professor Amy Wax has had a significant impact on the students and faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Many students were understandably concerned about Wax’s ability to be impartial in evaluating their academic performance, given her history of making discriminatory comments targeting specific groups.
The faculty at the law school have also been affected by the controversy surrounding Wax’s suspension. The loss of her named chair position and the public reprimand have sent a strong message about the university’s commitment to promoting a culture of respect and inclusion on campus. It has also sparked discussions about the boundaries of academic freedom and the responsibilities that come with holding a position of influence in academia.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The case of Professor Amy Wax raises important legal and ethical considerations for academic institutions. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is not unlimited, especially when it comes to making discriminatory and harmful statements. Universities have a responsibility to uphold values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to ensure that all members of the campus community feel safe and respected.
The decision to suspend Wax with half pay and full benefits for a year reflects the university’s commitment to addressing issues of discrimination and promoting a more inclusive environment. It also serves as a warning to other faculty members about the consequences of making inflammatory and offensive remarks that undermine the values of the institution.
In conclusion, the suspension of Professor Amy Wax from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School highlights the complex issues surrounding academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of faculty members in higher education. While the case has sparked debate and controversy, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and growth within the university community. By addressing these challenges head-on and working together to promote a culture of respect and inclusion, the university can move forward in a positive direction.