The University of Louisiana at Monroe professor who created an anonymous Web site critical of the school’s administration will remain anonymous for at least a little while longer.
U.S. District Judge Robert James granted a stay on Feb. 4 that allowed the company that hosts the Web site to protect the professor’s identity until a higher court hears an appeal. James had refused on Jan. 23 to overturn a previous ruling by a federal magistrate that had required Homestead Technologies, a California-based Internet provider, to reveal the professor’s name. James’ first ruling had set a Feb. 8 deadline for the disclosure.
The Web site, www.truthatulm.homestead.com, details alleged misbehavior by the university’s administration, including misuse of funds and a subsequent cover-up. Richard Baxter, vice president for external affairs, filed a motion last August asking for the name of the Web site’s creator. He has indicated that he wants the information so that he can file a libel and defamation suit against the professor, according to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The professor has appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.