October 15, 2021

Dear Campus Community, 

I write to provide an update on the Alexander Blewett III School of Law. The school has long been and remains the foundation for our Montana legal community and a lauded state asset that promotes justice, service and the continued improvement of the profession.

I want to be clear that at the University of Montana and in the School of Law, we are uncompromisingly committed to a supportive and inclusive learning and working environment. In furtherance of our commitment, we have taken a number of steps to address the allegations recently reported in the media. The University and the School of Law, in partnership with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, spent the past year addressing the reported concerns through mediation, training and education. We also engaged an external firm to investigate specific claims. While details about the allegations and findings remain confidential, the independent investigation found no violations of the University’s Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy. Some findings are currently on appeal, and we will continue to facilitate proper steps outlined in our written procedures.

Nevertheless, as an act of leadership, Dean Paul Kirgis chose to step down to create space for institutional reflection and rebuilding. He will return to the important work of teaching, scholarship and service as part of the distinguished law faculty. At Dean Kirgis’ recommendation, law faculty, staff and students will engage in an independent review of the school’s learning and working environment. Collaboratively, the law school community will implement recommendations that help ensure the law school’s continued prominence as a place of learning for all. Over the coming weeks, Provost Reed Humphrey and I will work with the law community school to determine the scope and makeup of this external assessment.

Meanwhile, I am encouraged by the way our law faculty are working with Provost Humphrey to develop a transitional leadership plan that will provide stability while we search for a new dean. That search will begin as soon as possible. I am also grateful to the law faculty, staff and students for their clear commitment to collaborating for the good of the School of Law, the larger legal community and the state of Montana.

Seth