Ethics Concerns and Judicial Recusal
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, a Biden appointee who teaches at George Washington University Law School, recused herself from a high-profile antisemitism lawsuit against the university following criticism over her failure to initially recognize a potential conflict of interest. The case, filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, alleges GW fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students through physical assaults, vandalism, and administrative inaction.
AliKhan, who began teaching a course on judicial ethics at GW in January 2025, presided over the case for three months before stepping down. She initially argued her part-time role did not create a conflict, claiming she only recognized the appearance of bias after reviewing the defendant's motions. "I didn't realize my employment could create the appearance of partiality until I began digging into the merits," she stated during an April 20 conference.
Legal experts criticized AliKhan's handling of the matter. "To begin with, it is astonishing that a federal judge would not voluntarily recuse from a case involving her employer," said Keith Fisher, a St. Thomas University law professor. "Her actions establish a violation of judicial ethics and deepen the appearance of impropriety.」
Allegations of Systemic Antisemitism
The lawsuit details incidents including swastika vandalism, harassment of Jewish students, and alleged indifference by GW administrators. Plaintiff Sabrina Soffer called AliKhan's recusal "essential to ensuring the case proceeds without bias." Attorney Jason Torchinsky, representing plaintiffs, welcomed the reassignment to Judge Trevor McFadden, stating, "We look forward to the case moving forward on its merits.」
Under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, recusal is required when a judge's impartiality "might reasonably be questioned." AliKhan consulted the federal judiciary's ethics attorney, who reportedly cited GW's size as a reason recusal might not be warranted. However, Fisher countered that the code's language clearly applied: "She falls within the literal terms of the standard."
AliKhan's course, part of GW's Field Placement Program, covered judicial professionalism and ethical duties. She issued a stay in March to evaluate conflicts but faced immediate calls for recusal, including from Torchinsky. Her eventual withdrawal came after a formal motion on April 22. The university did not comment on her hiring timeline or the lawsuit.