October 14, 2025
In a surprising turn of events, the conservative legal group FASORP has voluntarily dropped its discrimination lawsuit against the University of Michigan’s law journal. The lawsuit, which had captured the attention of legal observers and media alike, was dismissed without any clear explanation from the group. Jonathan Mitchell, the group's attorney, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the sudden decision, further shrouding the case in mystery.
FASORP, known for its controversial stances and actions within academic legal circles, has had a history of engaging in litigation that challenges the inclusivity efforts of law schools. The group’s tactics and ideological stances have often polarized opinions, with activities ranging from encouraging deceit in law review applications to threatening legal action against institutions for alleged discriminatory practices.
The lawsuit against the University of Michigan was particularly notable due to its targeting of the law review’s selection processes, which FASORP claimed were biased against certain demographics. However, the law journal and the university remained largely silent on the matter, neither responding to requests for comment on the lawsuit’s dismissal.
Observers have speculated on the reasons behind FASORP’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit. The group's litigious track record has not been marked by significant legal victories; previous actions against institutions like Northwestern and Harvard also failed to yield substantial outcomes. This pattern raises questions about the efficacy of FASORP’s strategies and the validity of its claims.
The legal community and academic circles are left to ponder the implications of this case withdrawal. Some suggest that the lack of a robust legal foundation might discourage similar future lawsuits, potentially altering the landscape of how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are defended within higher education law journals.
As the dust settles on this case, the broader legal and academic communities will undoubtedly watch closely to see how FASORP adjusts its tactics moving forward, and what this means for the ongoing debates surrounding diversity and meritocracy in the world of academia.