Remembering Professor Robert A. Sedler
Wayne Law community reflects on Professor Sedler's passing
The Sedler family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the Professor Robert Sedler endowed scholarship fund. Gifts can be made by clicking here or by check mailed to:
Wayne State University
Gift Processing
5700 Cass Ave, Ste 1200
Detroit, MI 48202
Share your memories
Dean Richard A. Bierschbach
Today we mourn the loss of Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus Robert A. Sedler who passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Professor Sedler joined the Wayne Law family as a faculty member in 1977 and, since then, played a pivotal role in shaping generations of lawyers in Constitutional Law. An institution unto himself, Professor Sedler was a remarkable mentor, educator, and friend. His passing is a great loss to the entire legal community.
Bob’s career was remarkable even before coming to Wayne Law. In 1963, he and his wife traveled to Ethiopia and helped to establish the first law school in the country. After that, Professor Sedler was a professor of law at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. While there, he argued, and won, two cases before the United States Supreme Court – in 1970 and 1974.
In 2005, Bob was elected to the Wayne State University Academy of Scholars, the highest recognition that may be bestowed upon Wayne State University faculty members by their colleagues. In 2024, Professor Sedler was also selected for induction into the Wayne State University Law School Wall of Fame. These are but two of many recognitions and awards Professor Sedler received throughout his lifetime.
Bob was a respected and brilliant legal scholar, renowned for his litigation of civil rights and civil liberties cases including those surrounding racial discrimination and same-sex marriage. He was held in high regard by all those who knew him—and there were many. He was frequently sought after to provide commentary or offer his expert opinion on matters concerning the constitution. In April 2019, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel appointed Sedler as special assistant attorney general in her office, where he advised on matters related to constitutional and civil rights law. He also published extensively in his fields, and law books and journals are filled with citations to his works by courts and academic commentators.
Over the last 47 years, Professor Sedler left a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the profession. We will remember him for his wisdom, enthusiasm, and fairness. His commitment to his profession and the constitution was both tireless and joyful, and we will miss him deeply.
Gyi Tsakalakis
Wayne Law Alumni
Professor Sedler was a remarkable educator and has left an enduring legacy. I am so grateful to have benefitted from his wisdom and generosity.
Jeffrey Rogg
Wayne Law Student
This man was a GIANT in legal education in Michigan. I consider it a privilege to have taken several classes from Professor Sedler at Wayne State University Law School; his debates with Prof. Joseph Grano (another towering figure in legal education), were the stuff of intellectual legend. I had the privilege of visiting with Professor Sedler a few years ago at a Wayne Law dinner; he was his usual jovial self and asked after my career progress. He was proud of the success of his innumerable students, who will carry on his legacy, with pride and affection. May his memory be a Blessing. Xo.