A private university financed by a Buddhist sect has decided
not to renew the contract of best-selling author Joe McGinniss, leading to a
student sit-in and allegations of religious bias.
McGinniss, author of such books as "The Selling of the President,"
"Blind Faith" and "Fatal Vision," said he had expected
renewal of his one-year contract to teach writing and journalism at Soka
University of America. Instead, university officials recently told him to leave
by April.
The fledgling university is financed by Soka Gakkai International, a Japanese
sect that is one of the world's largest lay Buddhist organizations.
McGinniss said he believed he was being let go of his $77,500-a-year position
because he is not a member of the sect.
"To be honest, if I were a member of Soka Gakkai, there would be no
question of my returning next year," McGinniss said.
About 20 students protested the university's decision on Friday, echoing
McGinniss' claims that sect members were given preference in hiring.
Arch Asawa, a university vice president, said the allegations by McGininiss
were "absolutely false" and that the university had been pleased with
his performance.
"This is strictly a budgetary issue," Asawa said.