FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Andrea Beaty, beaty@therevolvingdoorproject.org
Today, the Revolving Door Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, People’s Parity Project, Freedom BLOC and the George Mason University chapter of the American Association of University Professors sent a letter to members of the Virginia General Assembly calling on them to investigate Leonard Leo in regard to his undue influence on George Mason University. The groups called on the state legislature to investigate what Leo-tied activities are taking place under the aegis of a state school.
Recent reporting from ProPublica indicated that the leaders of the Antonin Scalia Law School are “indebted” to Leo after he served as their critical fundraiser. Leo has reportedly maintained ties to the school, hosting a party in Maine which was attended by both Scalia Law School leaders as well as federal and state judges, who were in the area “for a weeklong, all-expenses-paid conference” hosted by the law school. The groups argue these reports call into question whether the public law school is being used as a tool to further Leo’s own politicized agenda.
Additionally, the American Bar Association recently found the Scalia Law School was out of compliance with accreditation standards. The groups also argued that the General Assembly should determine if the law school is relying too heavily on Leonard Leo-connected donors, threatening the long-term stability of the school.
Revolving Door Project Executive Director Jeff Hauser said:
“Leonard Leo brokered a significant donation to a public institution; in exchange for his role as a middle man to the ultrawealthy, Leo has apparently secured the power to influence the activities of an entire law school for his own personal gain. Virginia legislators should investigate Leo’s influence thoroughly and remain steadfast in preventing Virginia’s great institutions from warping into political weapons for the highest bidders.”
The letter called on members of the Virginia General Assembly to conduct an investigation and proposed questions elected representatives should ask of the university’s administration, including what conditions were placed on Leonard Leo-brokered donations to the Antonin Scalia Law School and sharing communications between Leo, his associates, and the school.
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GMU_Leo-letter-to-VAPhoto: “The Schar School of Policy and Government, and the Antonin Scalia Law School — George Mason University Arlington (VA) Campus 2016,” by Ron Cogswell via Flickr