Florida case raises issues of our freedoms

At the University of South Florida in Tampa, the president wants to fire a computer science associate professor in the College of Engineering who happens to be a Palestinian and who has been -- and continues to be -- under investigation for his alleged ties to terrorism.

Sami Al-Arian has been on paid leave since he appeared on TV shortly after last September's terrorist attacks. The FBI has looked for evidence that would link Al-Arian to fund raising for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. So far, he has not been charged.

The University of South Florida has taken the unusual step of turning to the courts for guidance in advance of terminating the professor. The school has asked a state judge to decide if it has the right to fire the tenured faculty member, who has taught there since 1986.

The case raises several issues related to constitutional freedoms. Other processes and procedures that arise out of the domestic war on terrorism have raised similar questions. Those in charge of our protection and safety have had to balance their activities against the rights of a free society.

In the end, the university wants the right to safeguard the institution, its reputation and those who study and work there. It will be interesting to see how this complex case turns out.