The judge assigned to the wrongful-termination lawsuit by a former University of Iowa vice president for Student Services has recused himself from the case because of a potential conflict of interest.

According to court documents, 6th District Judge Ian Thornhill ruled Monday his impartiality could be reasonably questioned because of employment inquiries he made to the UI in the summer and fall of 2008, before his appointment to the bench.

Thornhill was originally assigned to the case on Sept. 2.

Former UI Vice President Phillip Jones filed the lawsuit against the university, UI President Sally Mason, and the state Board of Regents for wrongful termination, defamation, and due-process violation in June 2009.

Jones was terminated in September 2008 for allegedly mishandling a sexual-assault case allegedly involving two football players.

— by Hayley Bruce