What's Going on at the University of St. Thomas?

The Chronicle of Higher Education
October 23, 2007

Archbishop Tutu Calls for U. of St. Thomas to Reinstate Professor

Following an initial refusal to let Archbishop Desmond Tutu speak at the University of St. Thomas, the Minnesota institution has now invited him. Archbishop Tutu said he will, but only if the college agrees to give a professor back her chairmanship.

University officials admitted to demoting Cris Toffolo, an associate professor of political science, from her position as chair of the institution’s program in justice and peace studies. They wouldn’t give details but said it had to do with the situation concerning Archbishop Tutu.

The Rev. Dennis J. Dease, president of the university, announced his recognition of the university’s mistake and a formal invitation to the Nobel peace laureate two weeks ago in a letter to students and members of the faculty and staff.

Meanwhile, faculty and staff members are rallying and gathering signatures for a petition to reinstate Ms. Toffolo to her administrative job, but the university seems to be holding firm, according to the Star Tribune. —Anna Weggel