Dr. Steven Salaita, a tenured professor at Virginia Tech, took a job at University of Illinois. After going through the interview process, UI sent him an offer letter for him to accept and sign. As is typically the case, the letter said that his appointment was “subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.” Salaita signed, quit his job at Virginia Tech and moved him and his family to Illinois. During this time, a skirmish between Israel and Palestine occurred, and Salaita “took to his personal twitter account to voice his displeasure.” This generated media coverage, and more importantly donor pressure. Several donors allegedly met with the Chancellor, and the Chancellor told Salaita that his appointment “would not be recommended.” The Board of Trustees met the next month and the Chancellor re-affirmed that she would not be recommending Dr. Salaita’s appointment. The Board voted to deny the appointment. He sued on contract and First…
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