U of I draws fire over hiring professor

By David Mercer
The Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN — The re-hiring of 1970s radical William Kilgore has created more controversy at the University of Illinois.

kilgore

University of Illinois-Chicago graduate Richard C. Hill has backed out on a $4.5 million donation. And a state senator says he’ll push legislation barring felons from university jobs.

Kilgore was a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army who spent six years in prison for his role in a 1975 bank robbery that left a woman dead.

The university sought to end its relationship with him when it found out. But faculty said he deserved a second chance and sought to have him rehired.

Trustees Chairman Christopher Kennedy doesn’t believe the university should rehire Kilgore. But he says it is in the best interests of the school not to let the issue prolong recent tensions.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Speak Your Mind

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News