A crowd of demonstrators at Dixie State University has started the first day of school by protesting the treatment of a music professor.
The St. George News reports professor Ken Peterson said Monday that he appreciates the support from the group with signs like "Stop the Abuse of Power" and "Investigate Dixie State."
Dixie State fired him in March, saying in a termination letter released by Peterson that he disclosed confidential information about another professor's employment and slandered university President Richard "Biff" Williams.
State higher education officials ordered the tenured professor reinstated, but Peterson says the university's conditions would have kept him teaching in his field and restricted his movements.
Dixie State said in a statement that Peterson was fired over specific policy violations, and resigned by not accepting the new job agreement.
