Guillermo Gonzalez was denied his tenure appeal Thursday morning after the Iowa Board of Regents met in a closed session.

Accompanied by his wife, Joan, and a group of supporters, Gonzalez listened as Board of Regents President David Miles affirmed the decision previously made by ISU President Gregory Geoffroy. The board’s decision was the last step within the University’s jurisdiction for Gonzalez’s appeal and further action, if taken, must be within the Iowa courts.

Following the decision, John McCarroll, executive director of university relations, said “this decision was the result of thorough, complete evaluation by President Geoffroy and the university.

The president gave the appeal two careful considerations – the first being the initial decision, and the second being the appeal,” he said. “The board’s vote affirms the legal process and the belief maintained by President Geoffroy. He felt Guillermo Gonzalez was not successfully qualified to be granted tenure.”

Gonzalez appealed to the Iowa Board of Regents to reverse the president’s decision, made in the spring of 2007. He and his attorney met in a press conference following the decision.

“This is a coverup of a coverup,” said Chuck Hurley, Gonzalez’s attorney. “The whole thing was procedurally unjust, and the effectiveness of the Board of Regents is in serious question.”

Gonzalez returned to his wife and held her hand. Around him, supporters offered their encouragement and prayers.

“I am being let go due to reasons stated in e-mails from people who couldn’t stand my support in my personal beliefs,” Gonzalez said. “I am not giving up yet to continue work at Iowa State, but I have applications in to other institutions. My support comes from my legal counsel, my family and my friends.”

Gonzalez said he hopes students can take a lesson away from his case.

“What I want students to take away from this is to stand up for what you believe in, even if half the world is against you,” he said.

Miles presided over the closed session.

“The Board reviewed the documents which were allowed according to legal regulation and decided after careful review,” Miles said. “We make sure the appeal procedure gives the case full consideration and have made our final decision.”

Hurley said he feels the final ruling against his client will prove to be a mark against the Board of Regents.

“Taxpayers who support the board’s existence and purpose should be concerned. This decision is in violation of my client’s rights to his beliefs,” he said. “Academic freedom was absolutely not upheld here today.”

The next step for Gonzalez will be to regroup with his close counsel and family and decide his path for the future.

“I am a man of faith, and my family and friends are most important to me at this time,” Gonzalez said.

The Board of Regents resumed its discussion throughout the day and covered the agenda items brought forth by university members in attendance.