Opinion ID: 384563
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Retirement of Edward Groff

Text: 12 In November 1977, Edward Groff, a Professor of English, learned that he would have to undergo brain surgery. Groff was another active critic of the Branson administration. He sought to be placed on sick leave and was assured by University Vice President Wade that that presented no problem. Upon returning home on January 13, 1978, Groff found a letter from Branson, dated January 5, informing him that he was retired effective December 31, 1977. The difference between retirement and sick leave was significant, retirement resulting in lower income and loss of medical benefits and coverage. Although Wade told the Union contract administrator on January 12 and 13 that he understood that Groff did not want to retire and that a mistake had been made, Branson attempted to justify the administration's actions in a January 18, 1978 memorandum to faculty and trustees. It was only after protest by faculty members in the next several weeks over Groff's retirement that Branson denominated the University action a misunderstanding and reinstated Groff. 13 The district court found that the retirement was not in retaliation for Groff's outspoken criticism of the administration, as plaintiffs alleged.