Following up on my previous posts (links below): Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Lawyerly Letter:
The leader of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (AAJLJ) recently sent a letter to Theresa Beiner, dean of the Bowen School of Law at UALR, addressing what his organization interprets as unfair treatment of Jewish professor Robert Steinbuch.
Beiner has dismissed the criticism, saying Steinbuch hasn't been treated differently than any faculty member over his faith.
Robert Garson, president of the organization, said Beiner had been brought to AAJLJ's attention by a member of the Bar saying she'd singled out Steinbuch in a discriminatory fashion because of his out-of-class observance of Jewish holy days, despite his having previously been able to do so for nearly 20 years. …
Steinbuch's current problems appear to have started after he challenged the renaming of an endowed professorship after Bill Clinton without faculty or university input. …
Beiner responded: "We disagree with the accuracy of the information that is being reported in the media regarding the university's position on requests for religious accommodations. While we cannot speak to any individual personnel matter, the university is committed to complying with all state and federal laws on this subject."
"The attached policy, last revised in December 2020, sets out the process that is available for all employees. We are unaware of any instance where we have been unable to find a way to accommodate an employee who requests to be away from work for religious holiday observance. In addition, UA Little Rock and the law school comply with all applicable non-discrimination laws, including Title VII, in decision-making with respect to faculty and staff."
Washington Times, Arkansas Law School Dean Accused of Antisemitism by Jewish Professor After Clinton Clash
Prior TaxProf Blog coverage:
- Renaming Of Endowed Professorship For President Clinton Roils Arkansas Law School (June 28, 2021)
- Update On Controversy Over Renaming Endowed Professorship For President Clinton At Arkansas Law School (July 5, 2021)
- Arkansas Legislature To Hold Hearing On Renaming Of Law School Endowed Professorship For President Clinton (July 13, 2021)
- Arkansas Legislators Question Why Disbarred Clinton’s Name Added To Law School Chair (July 17, 2021)
- University Of Arkansas Chancellor Removes President Clinton’s Name From Endowed Professorship At Law School (Sept. 28, 2021)
