On Thursday, April 16, 2026, The Washington Free Beacon reported that George Washington University (GWU) hired Judge Loren AliKhan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to teach a law course on “ethics and discretionary judgment.” This decision has sparked controversy because AliKhan is currently presiding over a lawsuit accusing GWU of “pervasive and severe antisemitic harassment.”

The course, part of GW Law School’s Field Placement Program, is a corequisite course on “judicial lawyering.” The curriculum includes topics such as protocol, professionalism, judicial decision-making, an attorney’s ethical duties, discretionary judgment, and the attorney’s role in creating a legal system promoting equal access and eliminating bias, discrimination, and racism. The Spring 2026 semester class began on January 12, suggesting AliKhan’s hiring occurred before the official announcement on February 25.

Legal experts have criticized AliKhan for not recusing herself from the antisemitism lawsuit, Soffer v. GWU. According to The Washington Free Beacon, AliKhan acknowledged a potential conflict of interest weeks after the job announcement, issuing a 10-day stay on March 30 to assess whether her disqualification, disclosure to the parties, or other action was warranted.

Law professors cited federal law and other rules that they say make it clear AliKhan should have immediately recused herself. Keith Fisher, an associate professor at St. Thomas University College of Law, stated AliKhan’s decision not to promptly disqualify herself demonstrates an “abysmal lack of judgment.” He argues that her impartiality could reasonably be questioned, as she has a financial interest in the subject matter. Seth Oranburg, a law professor at the University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law, agreed, stating that judges on a litigant’s payroll should recuse themselves promptly.

The Soffer v. GWU lawsuit alleges that GWU violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by allowing a “hostile educational environment” to flourish unchecked. The lawsuit details incidents against Jewish students, including physical assaults, vandalism, and verbal harassment, with university administrators allegedly turning a blind eye.

Sabrina Soffer, one of the plaintiffs, stated that she and her legal team were unaware of AliKhan’s new employment until the judge stayed the case. Soffer’s attorney, Jason Torchinsky, lamented that GW’s decision to hire AliKhan likely “delays justice” and that the case will need to go to another judge.

AliKhan faced criticism during her Senate confirmation hearing regarding arguments she presented as the solicitor general of the District of Columbia, particularly concerning religious liberty. She argued that religious services posed a “greater risk” for COVID-19 infection than anti-police protests, which prompted a rebuke from Republicans.

 

 

Source: The Washington Free Beacon