RESOLUTION

Adopted by the University of South Florida Chapter

of the United Faculty of Florida

January 10-11, 2002

Whereas, the actions and activities of Professor Sami al-Arian did not constitute misconduct, conflict of interest, or a breach of academic responsibility pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement,

The USF Chapter of UFF objects to the actions of the USF Board of Trustees and the USF President in initiating the termination of Dr. Sami al-Arian;

The USF Chapter of UFF objects to the USF President taking action without consulting with appropriate faculty groups, particularly the USF Chapter of UFF and the USF Faculty Senate;

The USF Chapter of UFF strongly recommends that the Florida UFF office, the Florida Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association provide resources to defend Professor al-Arian;

The USF Chapter of UFF finds it repugnant to academic freedom and principles of freedom of speech that faculty are held accountable for responses of third parties over whose behavior they have no control, particularly alleged threats to disrupt the university by violence or threats to withhold donations;

The USF Chapter of UFF supports the action of Professor Elizabeth Bird in her principled resignation of her position as advisor to the Provost in response to the university’s actions in regards to Professor al-Arian.

The statewide UFF Steering Committee unanimously voted to support the Chapter in defending Professor al-Arian's rights.

We believe that our eventual success will be a victory for due process of law.