Daily Staff Writer

A university professor who was placed on administrative leave is trying to force Iowa State officials to let him return to work.

Michael Simonson, a professor of curriculum and instruction, filed an injunction with Story County District Court against Iowa State, said Camilla Benbow, interim dean of education. Carla Espinoza, interim affirmative action officer, and Provost John Kozak were also named.

Simonson’s attorney, Stephen Terrill, said the injunction is being filed because Simonson was placed on leave Feb. 11 without being told why.

“They did all this without so much as a copy of the complaint,” Terrill said.

A professor within the College of Education has said Simonson was placed on leave in connection with a complaint of sexual harassment.

Administrative leave means Simonson still receives pay, but, Terrill said, Simonson is barred from teaching classes, attending educational conferences and continuing his research and grant projects, among other things.

“He’s being put in a position by the university where he can’t defend himself,” Terrill said.