SMU senior leaders have informed Attanasio that his contract, which expires in May, will not be renewed and that the university is taking immediate steps to find a successor, The Texas Lawbook has learned.

The decision prompted 56 prominent alumni to sign a letter to Turner supporting Attanasio and asking the university to reconsider. A member of the Dedman Law School executive board has resigned and two others have said they are considering resigning because they were not informed by Ludden or Turner about the move and think it is the wrong decision.