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In January 2022, Penn Law Professor Amy Wax came under public criticism for an interview in which she said the United States would be “better off with fewer Asians and less Asian immigration.” Penn Law Dean Theodore Ruger initially denounced Wax’s comments while acknowledging her academic freedom to make them. After increasing public pressure, Ruger reversed course later that month and initiated disciplinary proceedings against Wax. In June, Ruger issued a report asking Penn’s faculty senate to impose a “major sanction” — up to and including termination — against Wax for her extramural speech, as well as various allegations concerning violations of student confidentiality and minority students’ complaints about her speech.

In September 2024, Penn sanctioned Wax for “unprofessionalism,” imposing a one-year suspension. Wax Penn in federal district court in January 2025, asserting breach of contract and civil rights violations.