Candidate withdraws in wake of airport incident
Feb. 13, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Dr. Michael Goodich, an Israeli scholar in Kalamazoo as a candidate for a position at Western Michigan University, has asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration for the post. University officials agreed with his decision and have accepted his withdrawal.
Goodich became the subject of an investigation by local and federal officials after he reportedly joked with airport officials that his missing luggage contained a bomb. When officials at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport heard his remark, they alerted officials at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, triggering a shutdown of one section of that airport until the luggage was found and checked.
Goodich traveled to Kalamazoo from Haifa, Israel, to interview for the post of chairperson of WMU's Department of History. He remains in Kalamazoo until officials complete their investigation and decide whether to file charges.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu