Professor must appear for UI lawsuit deposition

IOWA CITY - A judge has ruled that on-leave University of Iowa professor Malik Juweid must appear in person for a deposition in his lawsuit against the UI and various university officials.

However, Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Patrick Grady granted Juweid's request that the deposition be scheduled in Des Moines, rather than in Iowa City. Grady issued his ruling Monday in Johnson County.

Juweid did not appear at a scheduled June 18 deposition in Iowa City, after which the state asked the court to require him to comply.

Because Juweid is concerned for his safety if he returns to Johnson County, Grady ruled, he has until Oct. 30 to appear for a deposition in Polk County or another agreed-upon Iowa location.

Juweid is suing the UI and numerous university officials, claiming discrimination and retaliation by supervisors and colleagues. The university has denied the allegations. He is now working abroad and remains on the UI's payroll while the case proceeds.