Supreme Court hears arguments in Churchill case

The Colorado Supreme Court on June 7 heard oral arguments in former professor Ward Churchill’s lawsuit against the University of Colorado.

The one-hour hearing at the Capitol provided attorneys in the case the opportunity to address the justices, who in turn asked questions. Patrick O’Rourke, university system’s chief legal officer and secretary to the Board of Regents, represented CU; David Lane represented Churchill.

Churchill filed a petition with the Supreme Court after the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld a previous verdict favoring CU, affirming that the university was within its rights in terminating the former professor from his job. The appeal began after District Judge Larry Naves denied Churchill’s request to be reinstated at the university.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected in the next several weeks.