BOULDER, Colorado (AP) -- The University of Colorado's top official called on the school Monday to fire Ward Churchill, the professor who compared some World Trade Center victims to a Nazi and then landed in hot water over allegations of academic misconduct.

Interim Chancellor Philip DiStefano said Churchill has 10 days to go to a faculty committee to appeal his recommendation. Churchill, a tenured professor of ethnic studies, has denied allegations of plagiarism.

Churchill did not immediately return telephone messages Monday. His attorney, David Lane, said his client will appeal through university channels but doesn't think the school will reverse the firing.

"I can't imagine that CU is going to suddenly decide the First Amendment deserves some respect," Lane said. He said Churchill would sue if the firing is upheld.

In an essay written shortly after the 2001 terrorist attacks, Churchill described some of the victims in the World Trade Center as "little Eichmanns," a reference to World War II Holocaust architect Adolf Eichmann.

The essay was largely ignored until January 2005, when it came to light before Churchill was to speak at Hamilton College in upstate New York.

The essay triggered calls for Churchill to be fired, but university officials concluded he could not be dismissed because of free speech protections.

They did order an investigation into allegations of academic misconduct, which concluded two weeks ago.

The school's committee on research misconduct said Churchill "has committed serious, repeated, and deliberate research misconduct."

DiStefano agreed and said he has told Churchill he hopes to dismiss him. (Watch the chancellor announce his decision -- 6:46)

Churchill has been relieved of academic work but will remain a paid faculty member as long as the firing is in the appeals process, university officials said.

If Churchill appeals to the faculty committee, members would make a recommendation to university system President Hank Brown, spokeswoman Jeanine Malmsbury said.

Brown would then make a recommendation to the Board of Regents, which has the final say.

If Churchill doesn't appeal, Brown would recommend action to the regents.

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