**Controversial Penn Law Professor Amy Wax Suspended for a Year**
The University of Pennsylvania made a groundbreaking decision to suspend Amy Wax, a tenured law professor, for one year following a faculty committee’s ruling on her unprofessional conduct. Wax, known for her inflammatory remarks, raised eyebrows by casting doubt on the abilities of Black students and making controversial statements about Democrat-leaning Asian immigrants. The committee found that her actions violated the behavioral standards set by Penn, resulting in a one-year suspension with pay beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
This ruling culminates over two years of disciplinary reviews into Wax’s behavior, both in and out of the classroom. Despite facing backlash for inviting a white nationalist editor to speak in her classroom and making disparaging comments disparaging people of color and immigrant communities, Wax maintained her stance despite calls for reprimand.
The committee’s decision also strips Wax of her summer pay, her named chair at Penn, and requires her to include a disclaimer in all public appearances. She will not lose her tenure at Penn but will be issued a public reprimand printed in the Penn Almanac.
Wax’s history of controversial remarks and perceived discrimination led to declining enrollment in her courses and raised concerns about academic freedom at Penn. In the wake of other campus conflicts, such as hosting the Palestine Writes Literature Festival and tensions surrounding the war in Gaza, Penn faced scrutiny from donors and lawmakers for its handling of Wax’s case.
While the decision to suspend Wax was met with mixed reactions, provoking discussions about academic freedom and conduct in educational settings, it is clear that the university is committed to upholding its behavioral standards and ensuring equality and fairness for all students. With the controversy surrounding Wax being just one piece of a larger puzzle, Penn continues to navigate complex issues of free speech, diversity, and inclusion on its campus.