Two Former Ave Maria Law Professors Settle Lawsuit With Tenure

We have been following the lawsuit against the Ave Maria School of Law (here). Now, it appears that two out of the three professors — Ed Lyons and Phil Pucillo — have agreed to a settlement that includes tenure at the controversial school.

The status of the third professor, Steve Safranek, remains unsure and the litigation remains active.

The lawsuit filed in a Michigan court names the school, its association, Dean Bernard Dobranski and Board Chairman Tom Monaghan, the founder and primary donor.

Last year, the faculty passed of “no confidence” in Dobranski and asked the board to remove him. However, Dobranski has the continued support of Monaghan and the vote was ignored. The school is under investigation by the American Bar Association.

Previously, the school claimed in the lawsuit that all law professors are “ministerial employees” and that the school is entitled to “ecclesiastical abstention.” It was a highly dubious claim and it appears that reality has set in for the school administration.

For the story, click here.