Following a tumultuous incident involving a conservative judge, Tirien Steinbach, the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Stanford Law School, has resigned. Dean Jenny Martinez informed the Stanford community of Steinbach's departure, indicating she had accepted a new opportunity. Martinez's message acknowledged Steinbach's acceptance of responsibility for her part in the March 9th confrontation, which sparked widespread controversy.

The incident, which involved U.S. Circuit Court Judge Kyle Duncan, drew significant attention and highlighted existing tensions within the law school community. Judge Duncan, an invited speaker, was met with student protests, including signs with explicit language and disruptive chants. Steinbach's intervention in the situation, intended to de-escalate the conflict, ultimately became a point of contention itself.

Steinbach later explained her actions in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, stating her goal was to facilitate respectful dialogue by encouraging empathy among the involved parties. However, her approach was criticized by some. Dean Martinez acknowledged that the event presented learning opportunities for all involved, including the administration, students, and the broader law school community. The university ultimately issued an apology to Judge Duncan.

The March 9th event saw Judge Duncan facing protests that included offensive posters and hostile remarks. Some protesters also criticized Duncan's 2020 decision regarding a prisoner's pronoun change request. Duncan characterized the protesters as "juvenile idiots" and criticized what he perceived as a disruptive campus environment.