University of Colorado fires professor

BOULDER, Colo., July 24 (UPI) -- Outspoken ethnic studies professor Ward Churchill was fired by the University of Colorado Tuesday for plagiarism and falsifying documents.

The university's regents voted 8-1 in Boulder to terminate Churchill, who contends his dismissal is in retaliation for his comments about the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, The Denver Post reported.

With his attorney ready to file a lawsuit against the school and protesters chanting and beating drums, Churchill told reporters he'll continue to fight.

"I'm going nowhere," he said. "It's not about break, it's not about bend, it's not about compromise. It's not about negotiate. ... If you negotiate your rights, you will have no rights."

Emma Perez, an associate professor of ethnic studies, was disappointed by the vote to fire Churchill "because the University of Colorado and the regents have succumbed to the political agenda of the neo-conservatives."

CU President Hank Brown said the regents had to protect the integrity of research at the university, the newspaper said. Regents Chairwoman Patricia "Pat" Hayes said the regents deliberated for several hours after spending weeks reading Churchill's writings. In the end, she said, the regents supported Brown's recommendations.