The Observer, October 5, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 6
Case professor will return to history department in spring
On Monday, Case history professor Marixa Lasso received confirmation that her visa renewal had been approved after nearly three months of uncertainty in Panama.
Lasso had attempted to renew her visa July 12 at the US Embassy in Panama, but was denied the renewal pending a delay of unspecified length. When the delay extended past the start of the semester, Lasso's fall classes were cancelled.
Members of the history department planned several activities and events in an effort to bring attention to the plight of Lasso and many other international faculty. Shortly after Lasso's visa was denied, Lasso's colleagues contacted both Ohio senators and Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones to ask for help. The university also hired David Leopold, an immigration lawyer, to provide Lasso with assistance. Last Wednesday, the department held a rally at the "Turning Point" statue near Mather Quad and invited local media to cover the event.
According to history chair Jonathan Sadowsky, a letter-writing campaign had been on the verge of kicking off over the weekend, but was stopped by the timely awarding of Lasso's visa.
Lasso, who was eligible for research leave next semester, was granted that leave for the fall. She will return in January to teach her Intro to Latin American History course.
Because the State Department's policy is not to provide details of or discuss such cases, the reason for the denial and following approval of Lasso's visa will remain a mystery.
