Yale rehires black man who broke window depicting slavery

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – A black former Yale University dining services worker who used a broomstick to smash a stained-glass window depicting slaves and then resigned has gotten his job back.

Corey Menafee said he destroyed the window inside Calhoun College because he found it offensive. The name of the residential college has sparked protests because it honours former Vice-President John C. Calhoun, an 1804 Yale graduate and an ardent defender of slavery.

Menafee, who apologized for breaking the window, asked through his union to have his job back.

Yale University said Tuesday it was willing to give him “a second chance.” Yale spokeswoman Karen Peart said the university had informed his attorney he would be allowed to return to a position in “a different setting.”

“We are willing to take these unusual steps given the unique circumstances of this matter,” Peart said.

Menafee’s attorney, Patricia Kane, said he was “delighted to accept Yale’s offer” and planned to report for work next Monday morning.

Yale has asked state prosecutors to drop criminal charges against Menafee.