Justice Kavanaugh Is Joining This Law School As a Professor
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is joining George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School as a distinguished visiting professor.
Kavanaugh will teach a two-credit summer course titled “Creation of the Constitution” starting June 25th. His contract is scheduled to end June 24, 2022, according to the Fourth Estate, the university’s student-run news publication.
Harvard Course Cancelled
Kavanaugh previously taught at Harvard Law School until he decided not to return following outcry from students and alumni over sexual assault allegations, according to the Boston Globe.
Kavanaugh, who gained national media attention over his nomination to the highest court, was accused by multiple women alleging that he had sexually assaulted them. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who went to high school with Kavanaugh, testified before the Senate in September over the allegations.
“Today, Judge Kavanaugh indicated that he can no longer commit to teaching his course in January Term 2019, so the course will not be offered,” Catherine Claypoole, the Harvard Law School’s associate dean and dean for academic and faculty affairs, wrote in an e-mail to students back in October.
Hundreds of Harvard Law alumni urged Harvard to oust Kavanaugh as a lecturer.
“The Undergraduate Council stands in solidarity with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, Julie Swetnick, and all survivors of sexual violence,” the Harvard Undergraduate Council wrote in a letter reported by the Crimson.” We also stand with members of Harvard Law School who request a full and fair investigation into allegations against Judge Kavanaugh before he is allowed back on campus to teach.”
#MeToo at Law Schools
The news of Kavanaugh’s new position comes amidst nation-wide calls for stronger enforcement and consequences over sexual assault and harassment on college campuses.
Back in December, we reported how a number of law school professors are facing consequences of the #MeToo movement.
“It’s difficult to say whether the #MeToo movement is prompting more complaints of misconduct on law campuses, or whether misconduct investigations are simply garnering more attention now that the movement has placed a national spotlight on those who use positions of power and authority to take advantage of others,” Karen Sloan, a writer at Law.com, writes.
Sources: Fourth Estate, Politico, Boston Globe, The Crimson, Tipping the Scales, Law.com