September 27, 2001: University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft places Dr. Al-Arian on paid leave after his appearance in a nationally televised interview on FOX citing his safety even though he condemns the 911 attacks and has not violated any university regulations.

December 19, 2001: As the pro-Israel groups mount a media and public campaign to fire Dr. Al-Arian, and without warning or affording him due-process USF Board of Trustees votes to terminate Professor Al-Arian upon the request of Genshaft.

Jan.-Feb. 2002: USF President Genshaft meets with politicians and US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida regarding the termination of Prof. Al-Arian. US Attorney office announces a grand jury investigation.

Feb.-April 2002: American Association of University Professors (AAUP) appoints a 3-member committee to investigate the termination process. After an in depth investigation, the committee warns the university that the termination is unwarranted, violates the principles of due-process and academic freedom, and if carried out will be grounds to sanction the university. The faculty unions at USF, state wide and nationally back Professor Al-Arian and condemn USF administrators’ actions.

August 2002: Genshaft offers Professor Al-Arian almost $1M to resign. USF board chairman objects and solicits the help of Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida. They ask for more time. Genshaft sues Dr. Al-Arian and asks a state court for permission to fire him.

The Federal Grand jury investigation accelerates.

October 2002: USF loses in state court. It sues Dr. Al-Arian in federal court.

Nov.-Dec. 2002: Several Israeli publications report that the Israeli government is cooperating with the US government in securing an indictment against Prof. Al-Arian.

December 2002: USF loses in federal court.