News Local/State

Prof. Salaita Pleads His Case In Chicago

 
Steven Salaita speaks at the University of Illinois September 9.

Steven Salaita in his September 9th appearance at the University YMCA on the U of I's Urbana campus. (Jim Meadows/WILL)

Nearly a month after the University of Illinois Board of Trustees rejected his appointment, Steven Salaita is speaking at Chicago area universities this week about what he says was a violation of academic freedom. 

The University rescinded its offer of a tenured position in the American-Indian studies department after Salaita made controversial remarks on Twitter about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Steven Salaita talked with Illinois Public Radio’s Tony Sarabia on WBEZ's 'Morning Shift' about what happened in his view, why -  and what might come next.

The professor spoke at Northwestern University Monday, and has speeches this week at the University of Chicago, Columbia College, and DePaul University. 

One scheduled for Tuesday at the U of I's Chicago campus was cancelled.  The Chicago Tribune speculated that could mean the university is close to a financial settlement with the professor.