Lawyer for Malik Juweid wants open depositions in UI lawsuit

IOWA CITY - The lawyer for a suspended University of Iowa doctor said Monday he intends to file a request to make upcoming depositions in a related lawsuit open to the public.

Rockne Cole, the attorney for radiology professor Malik Juweid, said Monday the depositions are to be held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and he intended to file a notice to make them public. Numerous UI officials, including President Sally Mason, are scheduled to be deposed in the case, Cole said.

Juweid, a tenured professor, filed his lawsuit against the university and numerous UI officials in May, claiming discrimination and retaliation by supervisors and colleagues. The university has denied the claims and says Juweid sent dozens of harassing and unprofessional emails to colleagues. Juweid has been on paid leave since January for alleged "disruptive behaviors."

A status and scheduling conference was held at the Johnson County Courthouse Monday, related to Juweid's lawsuit, but members of the media were not allowed to attend the conference, held in judge's chambers.

Juweid has claimed the UI plans to fire him out of retaliation, and he seeks injunctive relief to halt university disciplinary proceedings until the conclusion of his lawsuit. The internal UI disciplinary hearing regarding Juweid has been postponed indefinitely, Cole said Monday.

George Carroll, assistant attorney general representing the UI in the lawsuit, immediately left the courthouse after Monday's conference and did not speak with reporters.