Clarence Thomas will no longer teach law courses at DC University

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is no longer slated to teach a constitutional law seminar at George Washington University after thousands of students signed a petition calling for his removal as a lecturer, according to a college newspaper report.

Thomas co-taught the course with Gregory Maggs, who in an email to class members said Thomas was “unavailable” to teach this fall, the GW Hatchet reported. Thomas, who had taught the class since 2011, is also no longer listed as a lecturer at George Washington University School of Law.

Thomas’ removal came a month after 11,000 students signed a petition calling for his removal as an instructor, according to GW Hatchet. The petition began following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 50-year-old case that determined women had a constitutional right to abortion access and services.

Thomas voted with four other justices to overturn Roe v. Wade and also called on the Supreme Court to reconsider rulings that protect contraception, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.

Despite the petition, university officials refused to remove Thomas from his role.

It’s unclear if the petition played a role in Thomas’s decision or if he will return to teach in the future.