Witzel later withdrew the letter.

Benson now teaches at Oxford University and refused to comment about the incident.

One graduate student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Benson left because he "could read the writing on the wall" and wanted to leave the department.

Eck, meanwhile, had not taught a course in Sanskrit since 1989, according to a 1994 letter from Witzel to Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Jeremy R. Knowles.

"Faculty friction is old," Lopez said. "Somebody is always saying Eck doesn't necessarily get along with Professor Witzel."

Witzel said any disagreements were related to academic matters, not personality politics.

In their December 1994 meeting, graduate students asked the administration to clarify "the status of Ms. Garzilli."

"Though no longer a faculty member, she remains a fixture in the office, where she expends considerable sums on photocopying, long distance and overseas telephone call and the United Parcel Service," the minutes read.

After the lawsuit was filed, the Office of the General Council served Garzilli with a letter informing Garzilli she could never return to the department, according to University Attorney Allan A. Ryan Jr.

Garzilli and Witzel, however, continue their professional relationship.

Together they edit two on-line journals. Garzilli has also received an affiliation with Harvard Law School, though her exact position is unclear.

One graduate student complained that though the University has a no trespass order against Garzilli, "she has been around throughout the year."

Witzel disputed the accusation, saying Garzilli has obeyed the no-trespass order.

"She's very careful not to step inside. If she has to meet me, she calls the secretary."

Moving into the Future