The former dean of the University of Iowa College of Law responded to claims made by a former teaching candidate, according to online federal court documents.

Teresa Wagner, a part-time employee at the law school’s writing resource center, was denied full-time employment in 2006. She first filed a lawsuit against Carolyn Jones in January 2009 alleging she was not hired because of her conservative political beliefs and past work for conservative organizations.

According to the mnotion by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, who represents Jones, an anonymous letter from a juror would not be allowed to be introduced in court. The letter reportedly said the jury thought that discrimination had occurred in the hiring process.

Mijller also objected to Wagner’s claim the judge had inappropriate contact with jurors during a two-minute window. The jury was then brought back in to clarify charges.

On Oct. 24, a jury found that found Wagner did not have her First Amendment rights violated, but it was unable to reach a consensus on if she was denied equal protection under the 14th Amendment.

Wagner disputes the verdict on the first charge, but according to Miller’s motion, “nothing in Wagner’s resistance changes the conclusion that Jones is entitled to …”

— by Brent Griffiths