A prominent ethnic studies professor accused of falsely claiming to be Cherokee is stepping down from her post at the University of California Riverside — and she’s getting a soft landing.
Not only is Andrea Smith being allowed to keep teaching classes there through August 2024, she’ll get to keep her retirement benefits and retain the title of professor emeritus, according to a separation agreement released by the university.
And Smith can continue claiming to be Cherokee — but only if asked.
“Professor Smith agrees to not make any affirmative claims of Native American heritage in connection with her university work for the duration of her university employment,” according to the agreement. “However, if asked about her heritage in connection with her university work, Professor Smith is permitted to disclose her opinion on her Native American heritage.”
Also, Riverside will pay up to $5,000 toward Smith’s legal costs and is shelving any investigation of the allegations that precipitated the professor’s exit.
“The agreement follows a complaint by UC Riverside faculty, alleging that Smith fraudulently claimed Native American identity,” the university said in a statement released Monday by spokesperson John Warren. “The nine-page separation agreement will bring a negotiated end to Professor Smith’s employment with the university.”
Smith, 57, did not respond to calls to the university and her home for comment about the deal that will end her teaching career at the university...
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