Arbitrator Orders U. of Florida to Rehire Laid-Off Professor

An arbitrator has ordered the University of Florida to rehire David Therriault, an assistant professor of educational psychology who was laid off last year, The Gainesville Sun reported. Under the ruling, he is assured a job for a year and a chance to earn tenure. While Florida has the right to impose layoffs, the arbitrator found that the university did not meet its obligations under a contract with the faculty union to attempt to find Therriault another position when his was eliminated.