FIU Faculty Senate Urged Dean to Take Leave
The law school senate wants interim Dean Daniel Epstein removed while he appeals federal court sanctions.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law
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Florida International University's Faculty Senate voted to urge the school to place interim law school dean Daniel Epstein on administrative leave. The request follows a federal judge sanctioning Epstein for his conduct while working as an attorney for Donald Trump.
Why it matters
Faculty members are concerned that the professional misconduct sanctions tarnish the reputation of the law school in Miami. The senate expects the dean to remain on leave until the outcome of his pending appeal is decided.
The Faculty Senate passed the statement during its Tuesday meeting following sanctions that barred Daniel Epstein from appearing in the Southern District of Florida for one year. The underlying lawsuit, which proposed a $1.8 billion fund, was withdrawn by Donald Trump in May 2026.
The players
Daniel Epstein
He is the interim dean of the Florida International University College of Law and is currently appealing professional misconduct sanctions.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who filed the lawsuit that led to the legal sanctions against his former attorney.
Kathleen Williams
She is the federal judge who barred the interim dean from practicing law in the Southern District of Florida for one year.
James Uthmeier
He is the Florida Attorney General who has filed a brief in support of the appeal filed by the sanctioned law school dean.
The details
The sanctions, which denied Epstein pro hac vice status, stem from his legal work during a case that was withdrawn earlier this year. Epstein is currently challenging these sanctions in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, receiving support in his appeal from the U.S. Department of Justice and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Timeline
January 6, 2021: Riots occurred at the U.S. Capitol.
May 2026: Donald Trump withdrew the lawsuit.
Summer 2026: Daniel Epstein was sanctioned by a federal court.
October 6, 2026: Florida AG filed a brief supporting Epstein.
October 13, 2026: Faculty Senate passed the statement.
Political Context
Opposition to this measure stems from those who support Epstein, including the U.S. Department of Justice and ten GOP state attorneys general who filed a supporting brief. These entities argue that the professional misconduct findings merit a thorough review by the appeals court rather than immediate institutional removal.
The internal conflict at the law school could impact students and faculty morale regarding the school's standing and administrative leadership. Taxpayers and university stakeholders remain focused on how this leadership dispute affects the institution's public reputation and academic governance.
The takeaway
The move by the Faculty Senate reflects the high standard of ethical conduct expected of legal academic leaders. Readers should observe how institutions balance individual appeals against the need for professional integrity in administrative roles.
Further reading
For broader insight into local legal developments, visit the Law section.
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