Last Wednesday, the university’s Senate Faculty adopted a motion which expresses ‘deep concern’ about the decision to rename its law department the Antonin Scalia Law School. It is understood that faculty at George Mason are dually concerned both about the circumstances surrounding the $30m donation behind the name change and the choice to honor Antonin Scalia, a charismatic and eloquent judge who was nonetheless often divisive and controversial in his jurisprudence.

Petition signed

‘A law school named for Scalia is likely to be as polarizing and controversial as the man himself,’ wrote Virginia legislator Marcus Simon in a letter opposing the change directed to the state’s Council of Higher Education. ‘At a minimum, we owe it to the faculty, staff and students at George Mason University an opportunity to express their support or opposition.’ Mr Simon also provided a petition opposing the name change signed by over 1,200 people.

Letter of Opposition

The National Law Journal also reports at least 140 George Mason faculty have signed a letter opposing the move, though it is understood that none of them are from the law department. ‘This renaming undermines our mission as a public university and tarnishes our reputation,’ the letter reads. ‘We also recognize it as an affront to those in our community who have been the targets of Scalia’s racism, sexism, and homophobia.