BASKETBALL RECRUITING Four-star point guard Jawun Evans is visiting campus this weekend. SPORTS, 1B
THE GREAT WAR: 100 YEARS LATER
OFFENSIVE SHOWDOWN Pass-heavy Western Kentucky comes to Champaign on Saturday
THURSDAY September 4, 2014
Krannert Art Museum opens new exhibit
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THE DAILY ILLINI 5he independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871
WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM
Emails reveal possible influence BY JOSH WINTERS STAFF WRITER
Emails between Chancellor Phyllis Wise and opponents of Steven Salaita’s appointment to the American Indian Studies program reveal that University donors, alumni and current students lobbied Wise to rescind what was said to be an “indefinite� tenure track offer of employment. The Daily Illini received the emails under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. On Oct. 3, Salaita received an offer letter signed by interim LAS dean Brian Ross for a position as associate professor in AIS. The email clarified, however, that the position was still subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
In an email dated July 21, campus spokeswoman Robin Kaler responded to The News Gazette, acknowledging Salaita’s tweets with this statement: “Faculty have a wide range of scholarly and political views, and we recognize the freedom of speech rights of all of our employees.� In the same email, Kaler confirmed that Salaita would begin his position as scheduled on Aug. 16. Shortly after, dozens of emails began rolling in from donors, explicitly threatening the withdrawal of financial support if the University moved forward with Salaita’s appointment. Donor names are blacked out on the documents, however, to protect the senders’ personal information. “We will now cease our annual con-
tributions to the University and will let our fellow alumni know why we are doing so,� an alumnus said in an email, dated July 24. “We will encourage others to join us in this protest, as perhaps financial consequences will sway you even though morals, common sense and decency did not.� Another University alumnus expressed dissatisfaction over Salaita’s hire, stating, “You also damage the reputation and standing of the University in the world, in the academic community, and will undoubtedly also affect the support of what is otherwise a fine institution from alumni, including myself.� However, on Aug. 1, Wise sent an
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Timeline of Salaita events Over the last few weeks, the University administration and academics from across the country have come to a divide over the rescinded position of Steven Salaita. Oct. 3, 2013 Salaita receives offer to be an associate professor position in the American Indian Studies program. Mid-July Salaita publishes vulgar tweets about Israel’s involvement in Palestine. July 21 Campus spokeswoman Robin Kaler emails The News Gazette acknowledging the tweets and confirming Salaita’s employment to start Aug. 16. The University starts to receive emails from donors threatening to stop giving money if Salaita’s position is approved. Aug. 1 Salaita receives an email from Chancellor Phyllis Wise, explaining his position would not go on to the Board of Trustees for approval. Aug. 20 - Sept. 2 Six professors cancel lectures and conferences on campus. Aug. 22 Wise sends mass email explaining that her decision rests on protecting diverse dialogue. Board of Trustees sends mass email supporting Wise. Protestors hold sit-in during an executive committee meeting of the Board of Trustees. Aug. 24 – Sept. 2 Four campus departments and the Graduate Employees Organization submit votes of no confidence in Wise and the Board of Trustees. Aug. 26
MARIAH MATTHEWS THE DAILY ILLINI
Senator Ron Lewis, sophomore in Business, asks a question to Chancellor Phyllis Wise and Provost Ilesanmi Adesida during an Illinois Student Senate meeting on Wednesday in the Pine Lounge.
Chancellor, Provost meet with ISS
Aug. 29 The American Association of University Professors sends a letter to Wise urging her to suspend Salaita with pay until an investigation is carried out.
Wise would’ve handled Salaita’s case differently in hindsight BY MEGAN JONES ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Looking back, Chancellor Phyllis Wise said she would have handled Steven Salaita’s case differently by being more deliberate and consulting with more people before sending him a letter on Aug. 1. At the end of July, she believed the Board of Trustees would not approve Salaita’s appointment to the American Indian Studies program and time was ticking, as he was scheduled to arrive on campus the third week of August.
“Because of the timing of this issue ... I felt it was more humanitarian to let him know that he is unlikely to be appointed as soon as possible,� Wise said. However, hindsight is 20-20, she said, and it is easy to look back and say what one should have done. *** Now, the University is faced with five votes of no confidence from departments, a nationwide boycott and several canceled lecture appearances. Recently, the English department
Roughly 100 people protest outside the Swanlund Administration Building.
and the Graduate Employees Organization issued votes of no confidence in the University administration’s handling of Salaita’s case. Looking forward, Wise plans to create seminars to discuss academic freedom and meet with campus colleges within the next two weeks to listen to their concerns and correct misinformation. Additionally, she is looking for guidance from the Urbana-Champaign Fac-
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Sept. 1 Wise meets with protesters in private meeting. Sept. 3 Wise addresses the Illinois Student Senate on the issue. Sept. 11 Board of Trustees will meet for its first regular meeting. of the year to appoint new faculty.
House Bill 8 accommodates pregnant workers BY ALEX SWANSON STAFF WRITER
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to protect pregnant women against discrimination in the workplace on Women’s Equality Day, the 94th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. The law amends the Illinois Human Rights Act with respect to employment and stipulates that upon a request from a preg-
nant woman, including any necessary documentation such as a doctor’s note, an employer will make reasonable accommodations for the employee’s well-being. Reasonable accommodations could include breaks for pregnant workers from heavy lifting, access to more places to sit, more frequent bathroom breaks and a modified work schedule. After childbirth, women are enti-
tled to more time to recover and a separate area for breast-feeding at their place of employment. It is now considered a civil rights violation if an employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations. Additionally, the law prohibits employers from denying employment opportunities or benefits to pregnant women who are otherwise the strongest candidate to
be hired or promoted. However, if the employer argues that a requested accommodation is not reasonable and will cause an undue hardship on the business, the employer may not have to provide the accommodation. State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-31, and State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-40, sponsored the bill. Flowers first introduced the bill in Dec.
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2012, and it was signed on Aug. 26. “Before this legislation took effect, discrimination against pregnant workers had dire consequences for many families,� said Elizabeth Gedmark, a staff attorney and director of the southern office at A Better Balance. The organization promotes equality at all income levels so men and women may care for their
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families without fearing job losses. “There have been a lot of employers, really nationwide, that have declined these accommodations. And then pregnant women
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