Steven Salaita Says He Has a New Job, in Lebanon

[Updated (7/1/2015, 9:15 p.m.) with additional details from Mr. Salaita’s lawyer.]

Steven G. Salaita, the professor whose job offer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was revoked after his anti-Israel tweets drew criticism, has a new job. Mr. Salaita announced on Twitter he will be chair of American studies at the American University of Beirut, in Lebanon:

I’m thrilled to announce that I will serve as the Edward W. Said Chair of American Studies at #AUB for the 2015-16 academic year.

— Steven Salaita (@stevesalaita) July 1, 2015

Mr. Salaita’s lawyer told The News-Gazette, an Illinois newspaper, that his client’s appointment was a temporary, one-year position in the department. He said he wasn’t sure what Mr. Salaita would be teaching.

Mr. Salaita has filed two lawsuits against the University of Illinois flagship over the job denial, which sparked discussions about academic freedom nationwide. In one lawsuit, Mr. Salaita has sought the release of records about the decision to hire him. In the other, he is suing university leaders and unnamed donors, asserting they conspired to violate his First Amendment rights.

The University of Illinois did not immediately provide comment to the newspaper about Mr. Salaita’s announcement.

The American University of Beirut is a private institution, founded in 1866, that enrolls about 8,000 students, according to its website.