Students have the right to a learning environment free from discrimination, but what happens when the source of harm is a tenured professor? The case of a suspended Penn law school instructor shows that universities often struggle to handle hate speech—but students can protect themselves when faced with discrimination in the classroom.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team advocates for students and professors all over the country, helping them defend their rights and stand up to their institutions. If you think your college or university isn't taking the proper action to protect you from discrimination, call our Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form.

Penn Professor Fights Back with First Amendment Lawsuit

Dr. Amy Wax, a tenured law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has been at the center of controversy for months due to her inflammatory remarks on race, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status. After Penn suspended her for what a faculty disciplinary board deemed “unprofessional conduct,” Wax is now fighting back. She's filing a federal lawsuit that challenges the university's speech policies as unconstitutional.

The case has reignited debates over the limits of academic freedom, the role of universities in regulating speech, and the responsibilities institutions have to create a safe learning environment. While Penn has taken disciplinary action, Wax's lawsuit claims that the university's policies are discriminatory and violate her First Amendment rights. This legal battle will set a precedent for how far universities can go in disciplining tenured faculty without infringing on constitutional protections.

As this case unfolds, students, faculty, and legal experts alike are watching closely. What does this lawsuit mean for higher education policies on free speech? And how can students respond when their rights—and their learning environment—are impacted by professors who make harmful or discriminatory statements?

What to Do If Your Professor Discriminates Against You

Tenure doesn't allow professors to discriminate against students. If you're a student who's experienced similar treatment from an instructor, you should hold your institution accountable. Our Student Defense Team can review your complaint and build a case, gathering all the information available about your professor's actions or comments and the university's response.

We can also ensure that the university is following its own policies correctly. If it hasn't, we can file a formal grievance on your behalf, request meetings with university officials, and advocate for alternative arrangements so you're no longer in contact with the problematic professor.

Universities hesitate to take decisive action against tenured professors and only terminate them for serious offenses. Tenure is supposed to protect professors and allow them to pursue unpopular research or state less widely accepted opinions without fear of retribution. It does not, however, allow professors to create a hostile learning environment.

The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help you determine if your professor's actions crossed a line and build a case against your university if they did. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our form with your information to schedule a consultation.