It is becoming increasingly clear that there was some serious professional negligence at the University of Colorado vis-a-vis Ward Churchill. It is bad enough that someone sans a terminal degree was given a tenure-track position (and a chairmanship) at a major research school, but according to the Denver Post it appears he received tenure early and did not go through the proper processes (I am unclear, from the story, exactly what happened in terms of what procedures he did/did not have to follow).

Further, he had a history of disruptive behavior pre-tenure:

University of Colorado officials received repeated complaints about Ward Churchill’s demeanor and temper, beginning two years before he was granted a tenured faculty position despite never going through the normal review.

The story goes on to detail a number of incidences, including one in which Churhcill allegedly threatened a colleague with harm over the question of the naming of some dorms on campus.

In regards to his tenure review/promotion:

In 1990, Howe was a vice chancellor and Churchill’s supervisor at his job as director of the University Learning Center. She served as a reference for Churchill for a one-semester teaching job but expected him to return to the center. She was surprised when he received a tenured teaching job.

“The tenure process is a laborious and long one, and it’s very rarely given early,” she said.

Three years after receiving tenure, Churchill was again accused of inappropriate behavior.

More details would be nice, but this sounds utterly bizarre and an unacceptable way for any university or college to conduct business.