Rutgers Law Professor Advocates for Rethinking Textualism

Katie Eyer argues progressives should embrace common-sense statutory interpretation.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:00am

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene of an empty law library, with warm diagonal sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the wooden tables and bookshelves, creating a contemplative and introspective mood.A pensive scene in a law library hints at the intellectual rigor behind Professor Eyer's exploration of textualism's progressive potential.Philadelphia Today

Katie Eyer, a professor at Rutgers Law School, will give a talk on rethinking textualism and its progressive potential. Eyer is known for her work on anti-discrimination law, LGBTQ rights, and constitutional litigation, and has been credited with influencing the Supreme Court's landmark Bostock v. Clayton County decision.

Why it matters

Eyer's perspective challenges the traditional view of textualism as a conservative legal philosophy, arguing that a common-sense reading of statutes can actually advance progressive causes. Her talk offers insights into the evolving landscape of statutory interpretation and its implications for civil rights.

The details

Professor Eyer will discuss why progressives should embrace textualism, a methodology of statutory interpretation that focuses on the plain meaning of the law's text. She will draw on her expertise in areas like LGBTQ rights and disability law to demonstrate the progressive potential of textualism.

  • The event will take place on March 30, 2026.

The players

Katie Eyer

A professor at Rutgers Law School who specializes in anti-discrimination law, LGBTQ rights, and constitutional litigation. She has written extensively on the progressive potential of textualism.

Rutgers Law School

The law school where Professor Eyer teaches, known for its programs in civil rights and social justice.

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What they’re saying

“Rethinking Textualism: Why Progressives Should Embrace the Common-Sense Idea that the Law Means What it Says”

— Katie Eyer, Professor, Rutgers Law School

What’s next

Those interested in attending the event or receiving readings can contact Jorgieliz Casanova.

The takeaway

Professor Eyer's talk challenges the traditional view of textualism as a conservative legal philosophy, arguing that a common-sense reading of statutes can actually advance progressive causes. Her perspective offers new insights into the evolving landscape of statutory interpretation and its implications for civil rights.