A University of Guam professor fired after he was convicted of criminal sexual conduct said the university didn't afford him due process, while UOG said the process the professor seeks would be a futile effort.

Lawyers for ex-professor Michael Ehlert and UOG argued in front of the Supreme Court of Guam Wednesday.

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Ehlert filed a petition with the Superior Court of Guam asking to reinstate him as an employee, for back pay and the opportunity to respond to the university about his termination.

The Superior Court dismissed Ehlert's lawsuit, prompting Ehlert to appeal to the high court.

Accused of inappropriately touching students

Ehlert was a tenured psychology professor at UOG since 2005.

Female students accused him of inappropriately touching their private parts in 2014 while they were swimming at a beach during an off-campus party at Ehlert’s house.

Ehlert was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct on July 31, 2017.

Attorney: Ehlert has a right to due process

He was fired the next day.

Ehlert's attorney, Daniel Somerfleck, said Ehlert has a right to due process and has a right to respond to any adverse action.

"Those rights are constitutional rights that must be followed and by failure to follow they (UOG) have denied him his procedural due process," Somerfleck said.

Law prohibits employing sex offenders

UOG's attorney, R. Todd Thompson, said the law is clear. UOG couldn't keep Ehlert as a professor because the law prohibits them from employing sex offenders.

"By law, the president could not do what (Ehlert) is asking. He could not continue to employ (Ehlert) upon his conviction for criminal sexual conduct," Thompson said. "It would've been futile. The university's hands were tied."

The justices will review the arguments from Ehlert and UOG and will issue their decision later.

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