IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 21 The University of California at Irvine chancellor apologized to the faculty Thursday for the way he handled the hiring of a controversial legal scholar.
Michael Drake spoke to about 300 professors, The Orange County Register reported. He took responsibility for the decision to hire Erwin Chemerinsky as dean of the university's planned new law school, to reverse the decision and then to rehire him.
"I have learned a painful lesson this week," Drake said. "I made a series of difficult decisions without consulting senior faculty early enough or often enough. I am sorry for this. I apologize sincerely for the problems that have followed."
Faculty members applauded Drake's speech and tabled a resolution that had been drafted saying they were disappointed with his leadership. His decision to rescind Chemerinsky's appointment -- reportedly after getting pressure from Southern California conservatives -- had angered many on the faculty.
While the faculty was meeting, the University of California Regents approved Chemerinsky's $350,000 annual salary as dean.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
