A Jan. 14, 2005 letter from College Dean Edward L. Ayers to Politics Prof. James R. Sofka, a copy of which was obtained by The Cavalier Daily, indicates that Ayers' recent decision to remove Sofka from his position as dean of the Echols program was prompted by complaints that Sofka had acted inappropriately with female students. Sofka denies any accusations of misconduct.
The letter notes that Sofka's "current term of employment at the University of Virginia ends on May 24, 2007. As the University has no obligation to renew your contract beyond that date, please consider this notice that our intention is not to renew your contract."
Ayers publicly offered a different explanation for the move last week, saying the decision, which replaced Sofka with Associate Dean and Anthropology Prof. Richard Handler, was prompted by his belief that the Echols program "should be led by the dean in charge of our entire undergraduate program."
Sofka was appointed interim director of the Echols program in 2002 and was confirmed after an official search last spring.
Contacted yesterday, Ayers stated only that all "appropriate procedures" were followed in making the decision, adding that he is unable to discuss the details of a personnel issue.
Ayers' letter states that he discussed alleged inappropriate conduct with Sofka in April 2003.
In both an interview yesterday and a written statement provided to The Cavalier Daily, Sofka said he was given no indication that the administration was contemplating his removal as Echols dean.
"Prior to entering the Dean's office that Friday afternoon, I had heard of no complaints against me
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