On Jan. 9, after two years of searching for a new dean for the University of Arkansas School of Law, Emily Suski was named the new lead. 

Less than a week later, the school rescinded the offer. 

Suski has been working for the University of South Carolina’s law school for the past 10 years, and said in an email that she was “honored to be selected” for the role of Arkansas Law’s new dean, starting July 1. 

The five-year contract that was offered had a compensation of $350,000. 

Because the contract was fully signed, it is possible for Suski to take legal action. 

After having fully signed the contract, Suski “was preparing to serve the students, faculty, and the state of Arkansas with integrity and commitment.”

Despite this, five days after the decision was announced, UARK reported that they “decided to go in a different direction.”

This decision was due to the fact that Suski had signed a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief in support of trans athletes. 

Several other legal scholars’ names were on the list alongside Suski’s, regarding two different state’s bans of trans women in female sports, with Arkansas being the first to put a ban in place. 

“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. 

As this is an amicus brief, Suski was merely providing legal expertise, not explicitly saying what politics she aligns with. 

Suski’s contribution to the brief was brought to the University’s attention by state lawmakers Bart Hester and Dan Sullivan. 

Sullivan found that along with the brief regarding trans women, Suski also supported and spoke publicly about others concerning Title IX and abortion rights. 

After seeing Suski’s name tied to these briefs and articles, Hester told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that it is “scary that this person might have had influence on the next generation of lawyers, the next generation of judges in Arkansas.” 

Suski said that she was “disappointed and hurt by the University’s decision to rescind [her] contract.”

University of Arkansas spokesperson John Thomas said in an email statement that “the University is firmly committed to advancing the core values that are foundational to [their] mission as a research-focused, land-grant institution.”

Although, following the news, current and prospective faculty members are now cautious about sharing their political views, worried that it might cost them their jobs. 

Supposed predecessor to Suski is dean Cynthia Nance. 

Nance was previously the dean of Arkansas School of Law from the years 2006 to 2011, then elected to be interim dean in 2022, then quickly was reappointed to full time. 

As planned, Nance will continue to serve as dean until June 2026.
Though, UA is “currently determining next steps and will select her successor in consultation with School of Law faculty, staff and students,” according to Thomas.  

As mentioned previously, Suski has been working for the University of South Carolina and she is expected to continue doing so following this controversy.