Ex-UI dean appeals lawsuit to Iowa Supreme Court

Associated Press

Feb. 15, 2012 2:38 pm

IOWA CITY - The former dean of students at the University of Iowa whose lawsuit against the school was dismissed by a judge is appealing to the Iowa Supreme Court.

The Iowa City-Press Citizen says Phillip Jones' attorney filed the appeal last week.

Jones, who was fired in 2008, sued the university, several university officials and a Missouri law firm that investigated his handling of a high-profile sexual assault case involving football players. He claimed wrongful termination, defamation and violation of due process.

A district judge dismissed the lawsuit last month.

The university is in the middle of a similar lawsuit by former General Counsel Marcus Mills, who also was fired following the assault investigation. His lawsuit was transferred to federal court. A jury trial is set for December.

This photo, supplied by the University of Iowa, shows Phillip E. Jones, University of Iowa vice president of student services, who was fired by Iowa president Sally Mason fired along with Iowa general counsel Marcus Mills on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Each was faulted for his response to the alleged sexual assault, which involved two former university football players. (AP Photo/University of Iowa)