The dismissal of South Dakota State University insect expert who a colleague says refused to change his recommendations on pesticide spraying has prompted a protest from a national group of scholars.
The American Association of University Professors, which once imposed a 29-year censure on the South Dakota Board of Regents for a faculty firing, said Mike Catangui, a tenured professor and Extension Service entomologist, had been dismissed without a hearing.
Whether he was fired or suspended pending a hearing wasn't clear Tuesday. The university administration, Catangui and the faculty union wouldn't go into details.
"I have no comment other than I've been serving the people of South Dakota for almost 20 years to the best of my ability," Catangui said.
The entomologist for the Cooperative Extension Service is the contact for the public's questions about insects that affect crops, livestock, gardens, buildings and human health.