Indiana State University v. LaFief
Indiana Supreme Court
888 N.E.2d 184 (2008)
- Written by Jennifer Flinn, JD
Facts
William LaFief (plaintiff) was employed as an assistant professor at Indiana State University (defendant). LaFief’s appointment was for a one-year term; he could either be reappointed at the end of the one-year term or not reappointed. After his initial term, LaFief was appointed for a second one-year term. After his second one-year term concluded, LaFief was not appointed for a third term. LaFief filed for unemployment benefits. An administrative-law judge ruled that LaFief was not entitled to unemployment benefits because LaFief was not discharged from his employment. LaFief appealed to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development review board, which reversed, ruling that the university’s decision not to reappoint LaFief was the same as being discharged. The university appealed to the Indiana Court of Appeals, which reversed the review board’s ruling and held that LaFief was not entitled to unemployment benefits because he voluntarily agreed to a one-year term. LaFief appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Shepard, C.J.)
Dissent (Dickson, J.)
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