50 Facts About Amy Wax

Early Life and Education

Amy Wax's journey began in a small town and led her to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

1. Amy Wax was born on January 19, 1953, in Troy, New York.
2. Raised in a Conservative Jewish household, she grew up with two sisters.
3. Her father worked in the garment industry, while her mother was a teacher and government administrator in Albany, New York.
4. Wax attended Troy High School, where she was the head of the senior honor roll and graduated as class valedictorian.
5. She achieved the highest score in Rensselaer County in the New York Regents Examinations.

Academic Achievements

Wax's academic prowess is evident from her impressive educational background.

6. Wax enrolled in Yale University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in molecular biophysics and biochemistry in 1975.
7. She received a Marshall Scholarship to attend Somerville College, Oxford, where she graduated with a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in philosophy, physiology, and psychology in 1976.
8. Upon returning to the United States, Wax dual-enrolled in Harvard Medical School and Harvard Law School.
9. She graduated from Harvard Medical School with a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, cum laude, with distinction in neuroscience in 1981.
10. Concurrently, she was a first-year student at Harvard Law from 1980 to 1981.
11. Wax completed her legal education at Columbia Law School, where she became an editor of the Columbia Law Review and was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
12. She obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Columbia Law School in 1987.

Legal and Medical Career

Wax's career spans both the medical and legal fields, showcasing her versatility.

13. Following graduation, Wax clerked for Judge Abner J. Mikva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1987 to 1988.
14. She was admitted to the New York State bar in 1988.
15. Wax worked in the Office of the Solicitor General of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) from 1988 to 1994.
16. During her tenure at the DOJ, she argued 15 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Academic Career and Contributions

Wax transitioned to academia, where she made significant contributions to legal scholarship.

17. In 1994, Wax became an associate professor at the University of Virginia School of Law.
18. She became a full professor in 1999.
19. Wax moved to the University of Pennsylvania Law School in July 2001.
20. She received the appointment as the Robert Mundheim Professor of Law in May 2007.
21. Her academic focus is on social welfare law and policy, as well as the relationship of the family, the workplace, and labor markets.
22. Wax has authored several books, including Race, Wrongs, and Remedies: Group Justice in the 21st Century (2009).

Controversial Remarks and Sanctions

Wax's outspoken views have led to significant controversy and sanctions.

23. Wax has often made remarks about non-white people that have been described as white supremacist and racist.
24. In 2017, she wrote an article extolling the superiority of white culture, which sparked significant controversy.
25. In 2024, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School sanctioned Wax for her discriminatory speech.
26. She will face a year-long suspension with half pay and full benefits, loss of summer pay, and her named chair position.
27. Wax will also be formally reprimanded by the university and must acknowledge that she does not speak on behalf of the school at public speaking engagements.
28. She will receive a public reprimand as part of her sanctions.
29. Wax will lose her named chair position as part of the sanctions.
30. She will not be allowed to teach first-year law students (1Ls) as part of her suspension.

Specific Incidents and Views

Wax's specific comments and actions have further fueled the controversy.

31. Wax invited a white nationalist to speak to her class, which further exacerbated the controversy surrounding her.
32. She has made derogatory comments about Asian immigrants, claiming they are not as capable as other groups.
33. Wax has also claimed that Black students underperform academically, despite there being no support for this claim.
34. She is a vocal critic of affirmative action policies.
35. Wax argues that these policies have destroyed the meritocracy in academia and created a culture of underprepared students.
36. She advocates for a return to a meritocracy system, where individuals are evaluated based on their abilities rather than their racial or ethnic background.
37. Wax praises Japanese culture for its ability to adopt Western strengths while maintaining its own distinctive culture.
38. She believes that academia has been feminized, leading to a shift away from truth-seeking and rational argumentation.
39. Wax suggests that women do not fit easily into male hierarchies and sub-societies within academia.
40. She points out that surveys show women prioritize vulnerable people feeling comfortable and safe over free speech and untrammeled debate for truth-seeking.

Public Appearances and Academic Freedom Debate

Wax's public appearances and the ensuing debate about academic freedom have kept her in the spotlight.

41. As a conservative professor, Wax is under constant attack from progressive forces within higher education.
42. She remains outspoken about her views, which often challenge the dominant liberal narratives in academia.
43. Wax has been involved in several high-profile interviews and public appearances, including a podcast with Glenn Loury where she discussed American identity and mass immigration from non-Western countries.
44. In another podcast with Gad Saad, Wax discussed how academia operates and the growing divide between academic discourse and extra-academic forums like think tanks and online platforms.
45. The controversy surrounding Wax's comments has sparked a debate about academic freedom.
46. While some argue that her punishment infringes on her right to free speech, others see it as necessary to maintain academic integrity and inclusivity.
47. Wax appealed the sanctions despite the hearing board's recommendation.
48. The final outcome was consistent with the initial recommendation, but she still maintains her tenure and position on the faculty.
49. As part of her sanctions, Wax will lose her summer pay.
50. Wax must clarify that she is not speaking on behalf of the University of Pennsylvania Law School in any public engagement.

Amy Wax: A Complex Legacy

Amy Wax has made waves in legal academia with her impressive credentials and controversial views. Raised in a Conservative Jewish household, she excelled academically, earning degrees from Yale, Oxford, Harvard, and Columbia. Her career includes significant roles like arguing 15 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and serving as a professor at prestigious law schools.

However, her outspoken remarks on race, culture, and affirmative action have sparked heated debates. Sanctions from the University of Pennsylvania reflect the tension between academic freedom and maintaining an inclusive environment. Despite these controversies, Wax's work on social welfare law and policy continues to influence discussions in legal circles.

Her legacy is a blend of academic achievement and contentious viewpoints, making her a polarizing figure. Whether you agree with her or not, Amy Wax remains a significant voice in the world of legal scholarship.