Jurors Ask Question as They Mull UI Bias Case

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By Ellen Kurt

Story Created: Oct 23, 2012 at 1:49 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 23, 2012 at 1:49 PM CDT

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Jurors have asked a question as they continue deliberating the case of a conservative who claims she was passed over for teaching jobs at the University of Iowa law school because of liberal bias.

Jurors asked U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt a question Tuesday morning as they consider whether Teresa Wagner's constitutional rights were violated. Court officials say the question cannot be made public. Deliberations were continuing at midday without a verdict.

Wagner claims that liberals on the faculty opposed her appointment because they did not want an outspoken female opponent of abortion rights to join their ranks. The university says Wagner wasn't hired because she botched a 2007 job interview.

Jurors began deliberating Monday after a weeklong trial, which was closely watched in higher education circles.