A former University of Colorado professor says Ward Churchill received tenure because he claimed to be Indian.

Former communications department chairman John Bowers said Churchill's heritage was never mentioned explicitly. But since the school wanted to expand its minority faculty, he was fast-tracked, Bowers said.

At various times, Churchill has claimed Cherokee, Cree, Cree and Metis ancestry. He lacks membership in any federally recognized tribe and says critics, including many Indian activists, leaders and scholars, have no right to question his heritage.

Get the Story:
Prof takes giant leap to tenure (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 2/18)
Forum accord: It's not legislators' concern (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 2/18)
Legislature panned for action on Churchill (The Denver Post 2/18)

Churchill's 9/11 Essay:
"Some People Push Back" On the Justice of Roosting Chickens (Pockets of Resistance September 2001)

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