Erle E. Peacock, Jr., MD, v. UA College of Medicine controversy

In 1969, Dr. Erle J. Peacock was asked to join the medical faculty at the University of Arizona as a professor of surgery by Dr. DuVal. Peacock would then become a founder and Department Head of the Surgery Department. During this time, Peacock continued to recruit other surgeons to the program. However, Dr. DuVal wrote an official performance review citing that Peacock's performance was "less than satisfactory" in April 1972. The chief complaint in this notice was that Peacock was more focused on the wellbeing of the Department of Surgery, not the College of Medicine. Peacock was then asked to resign as Head in 1973. When he did not do so, the University of Arizona dismissed Peacock without notice or hearing in October 1973.

Peacock went on to sue the University, suggesting that the decision to terminate him lacked due process. He cited that the dismissal and suspension as a professor violated the Fourteenth Amendment (due process) and the First Amendment (free speech) as well as went against his employment contract with the University. Peacock would go on to win a $295,000 judgment. The materials within this collection were part of the ongoing litigation in the case.