UAB vet says layoff was politically motivated - News: noteworthy people, programs, funding, and technological advances in the world of higher education - Brief Article

Matrix: The Magazine for Leaders in Education, Sept, 2001 by Al Branch

Could Ira Harvey's past outspoken support of K-12 education have cost him his job at the University of Alabama at Birmingham? Harvey thinks so, but one of his former allies disagrees.

Harvey, an 11-year veteran of the school--his title was university financial project manager--recently had his position cut due to budget reductions at the school, officials say. He had testified in support of K-12 schools in the case that changed how Alabama funds its schools. This year he testified when elementary schools in the state were fading budget cuts. "It looks like there was an association between that request and my termination," Harvey was quoted as saying in a published report. At press time, he was considering legal action or other options about his future.

UAB colleague Wayne Echols says Harvey's lay off had nothing to do with his work with Alabama's K-12 schools.

"The only reason for the elimination of Harvey's position was the reduction of state funding that we have experienced," Echols says.

The Associated Press also contributed to this report.