Editor’s note: This story has been edited to include a statement from UK spokesperson Jay Blanton and clarify that Ramsi Woodcock has not been suspended but rather reassigned to a non-teaching role during the investigation into his conduct.
A University of Kentucky law professor who was reassigned to non-teaching duties due to an ongoing investigation has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the appointment of the university’s new law school dean, claiming the selection violated his constitutional rights and university policies.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Rosenberg College of Law professor Ramsi Woodcock filed the lawsuit against incoming dean Gregory Van Tatenhove, UK President Eli Capilouto and Provost Robert DiPaola.
The lawsuit asks a federal judge to prevent Van Tatenhove from serving as dean, arguing university leaders ignored faculty opposition and violated Woodcock’s employment contract.
Woodcock has been reassigned from teaching since July 2025 after circulating a petition calling for war against Israel, according to previous Kentucky Kernel reporting. He later denied allegations of antisemitism in an interview with the Kernel, saying his statements were political criticism and not religious discrimination.
Van Tatenhove, a longtime district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, was selected as dean in March despite some faculty opposing his appointment.
As previously reported by the Kernel, faculty members questioned his lack of traditional academic leadership experience, but DiPaola defended the selection, describing the hiring process as “rigorous, consistent and compliant.”
“Judge Van Tatenhove was selected as dean of the Rosenberg College of Law following an extensive process that is the same as other dean selections,” university spokesperson Jay Blanton said in a statement.
According to Blanton, the appointment process involved feedback from stakeholders, alumni, faculty, staff, students and university leadership.
“The result is an outstanding new dean who has been a proven leader and is excited about helping lead a talented group of faculty, staff and students forward,” Blanton said. “That is where our focus is and where it will remain.”
The lawsuit comes after months of controversy surrounding university decision-making. Following Van Tatenhove’s appointment, Gov. Andy Beshear said he had lost confidence in UK leadership and urged the university to remain nonpartisan, according to previous Kernel reporting.
The university’s Board of Trustees later approved a policy requiring board approval for future dean appointments, a change the Kernel reported following the appointment of Van Tatenhove.
According to the Herald-Leader, the case is awaiting assignment to a federal judge.
