The Chronicle of Higher Education
September 10th, 2014
Steven G. Salaita wants to continue fighting for a job at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and he’s ready to take legal action if he doesn’t get it.
Mr. Salaita spoke publicly on Tuesday for the first time since the university revoked its offer to him of a tenured professorship, an action that ignited a backlash from many academics and cast a harsh spotlight on the university’s stance on academic freedom.
"I am here to reaffirm my commitment to teaching and to a position with the American Indian studies program at UIUC," he told a crowd of about 200 supporters during a news conference at the university YMCA. "I reiterate the demand that the university recognize the importance of respecting the faculty’s hiring decision and reinstate me."