The University of Colorado, responding to a Colorado Open Records request, released the names Tuesday of the five academics who are investigating the work of controversial professor Ward Churchill.
Churchill is being investigated by the university for plagiarism and academic dishonesty, allegations that arose after an essay he wrote on the day of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks created a controversy early this year because it likened 9/11 victims to a Nazi.
A CU committee on academic research determined that there should be a full investigation of whether Churchill mischaracterized historical facts and used material without attribution. Churchill has denied wrongdoing, saying CU is trying to get rid of him.
The committee conducting the investigation is chaired by Marianne Wesson, a professor of law at CU. It includes CU professors Marjorie McIntosh, distinguished professor of history, and Michael Radelet, chairman of the department of sociology. It also includes Bruce Johansen, professor of Native American studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Robert Williams, professor of law and American Indian studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
None returned telephone calls Monday night.
