Clarence Thomas Will No Longer Teach Law Course At D.C. University

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is no longer slated to teach a Constitutional law seminar at The George Washington University after thousands of students signed a petition demanding his removal as a lecturer, according to a report by the college's newspaper.

Thomas co-taught the course with Gregory Maggs, who in an email to class members said Thomas was "unavailable" to teach this fall, the GW Hatchet reported. Thomas, who had taught the class since 2011, also is no longer listed as a lecturer for The George Washington University Law School.

Thomas's withdrawal came a month after 11,000 students signed a petition demanding his removal as an instructor, according to the GW Hatchet. The petition started following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 50-year-old case that determined women had a constitutional right to abortion access and services.

Thomas voted with four other justices to overturn Roe v. Wade and also called on the Supreme Court to reconsider rulings that protect contraception, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.

Despite the petition, university officials declined to remove Thomas from his role.

It's unclear whether the petition played a part in Thomas's decision or if he will return to teach in the future.