Professors call for student's return

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) - Some University of Massachusetts professors are calling for the reinstatement of a student who says he was the victim of a racial attack earlier this year.

Jason Vassell, who is black, has pleaded not guilty to charges he stabbed two white men at his dorm in February. Vassell says the men broke his room window and taunted him with racial insults. One of the men is facing charges.

Professors representing more than 100 UMass faculty and staff said Monday they plan to give Chancellor Robert Holub a petition. It asks that Vassell be reinstated until his case is resolved.

Vassell left school after he was charged. He says he doesn't feel safe at UMass and doesn't want to return even though he's grateful for the support he's received.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled Thursday. Trial is expected early next year.