News Summary
A lawsuit by University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax was dismissed by Judge Timothy J. Savage. Wax claimed discrimination and violations of her First Amendment rights. However, the judge ruled that the case centered on discrimination under federal laws, not free speech. Wax received sanctions for derogatory remarks, culminating in a one-year suspension. Although her allegations included broader civil rights violations, the court found insufficient evidence linking her treatment to her race.
PHILADELPHIA – A lawsuit filed by University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax has been dismissed by District Judge Timothy J. Savage. Wax alleged that she faced discrimination from the university, claiming her treatment stemmed from her identity as a “white Jewish woman.” She further contended that the university’s speech policies infringed upon her First Amendment rights. However, Judge Savage categorized the case strictly as a discrimination issue under federal antidiscrimination laws, highlighting that it did not involve freedom of speech considerations.
In his ruling, Judge Savage found that Wax had failed to demonstrate that her race played a role in the university’s disciplinary actions, which resulted in her one-year suspension. The judge emphasized that antidiscrimination laws protect speakers but not the speech itself, making it clear that Wax could not substantiate her claims of discrimination stemming from her previous comments, which some have deemed controversial.
Wax faced sanctions, including a suspension for the academic year 2025-26, additional public reprimands, and the loss of her named chair. The university initiated disciplinary measures against Wax after a faculty board determined that she committed a substantial violation related to derogatory remarks about various groups. This decision was not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing scrutiny regarding Wax’s comments over the years, particularly those addressing race and immigration.
In 2018, Wax was banned from teaching mandatory first-year courses after she questioned the intelligence of Black students. Despite her claims of discrimination, the judge noted that most of the comments she referred to concerned current events and were not considered antisemitic but rather critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Wax’s legal team sought a preliminary injunction to halt the university’s sanctions but was denied in June, signaling a challenging road ahead for her legal battles. The complaint additionally included allegations of violations of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act concerning the university’s failure to accommodate her during cancer treatments. However, the judge’s ruling left room for future litigation regarding Wax’s breach of contract and false light claims, while effectively closing the door on her discrimination claims entirely.
The University of Pennsylvania opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, and there was no immediate response from Wax’s attorneys regarding the dismissal of the case. Throughout her career, Wax has faced significant backlash for her views, which many observers characterize as racist or discriminatory, particularly in relation to race and immigration discourse.
Amy Wax’s legal journey underscores the complexities of academic freedom, discrimination, and the balance of speech rights within educational institutions. As this case illustrates, the legal system’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws remains a critical factor in determining the outcomes of such disputes. The ruling not only reflects on Wax’s particular circumstances but also sheds light on the broader implications for the intersection between speech and discrimination at universities.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Pennsylvanian
- Inside Higher Ed
- The Philadelphia Inquirer
- The College Fix
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Amy Wax
- Google Search: Amy Wax lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Amy Wax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amy Wax
- Google News: Amy Wax discrimination lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
