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'Politically Incorrect' Dean Resigns From Saint Louis University

By William Peacock, Esq. on March 05, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

He says that he is “politically incorrect.” Others might have other adjectives to describe the trial lawyer and former interim Dean of SLU Tom Keefe.

Some of his best moments include reportedly telling Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly that he wouldn’t be the University President’s “butt boy” and later claiming that he “got drunker than 10 big Indians.” When announcing his resignation, he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “The truth of the matter is that to the extent that folks are after my scalp for saying inappropriate things, chances are the size of my mouth I might as well have said all of them.”

For those counting at home, that's three slights against Native Americans. At least he's forthcoming and unreserved. In fact, the only allegations he denies are whispers of sexual harassment. After announcing his resignation, he told the Dispatch that he would never practice intentional sexual harassment.

But he is quick to practice a little self-deprecation, labeling himself an ambulance chaser. He sounds like a guy we'd like to have a beer with, though he may have made the right decision to step down.

This means Saint Louis University will again be looking for a dean, after the last one resigned due to personal conflicts with the university president and this one resigned after whispers of sexual harassment allegations and a series of questionable choices of words. The funny thing is, Keefe initially sounded like a promising choice.

When he took the position, he pledged to donate back his entire salary because he "wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem." He obviously cares deeply about the school. He's not only an alumni and trustee -- his father, brothers, and some nieces and nephews are all graduates of SLU. Perhaps in a behind-the-scenes role, where he can speak more freely, he can prove to be a strong asset to the school.

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