James Sherley, the beleaguered MIT professor who went on hunger strike to protest the institution's decision to deny him tenure, started eating again on Friday (Feb 16), even though MIT has not granted him tenure. Sherley, who is African-American, claims he was denied tenure because of his ethnicity.

In a statement posted on the MIT Web site, Sherley announced he was ending his 12-day fast "in celebration of the attention that has been brought to bear on issues of equity, diversity, and justice at MIT and in higher education." Earlier in the week he spoke to The Scientist about his hunger strike, during which he said he lost 14 pounds, but none of his resolve.

It seems that, too, has melted away, because Sherley ended his fast without any word from MIT about his tenure, although the university has acknowledged the value of Sherley's efforts. "Professor Sherley's protest has focused attention on the effects that race may play in the hiring, advancement and experience of under-represented minority faculty, and on ensuring that our grievance processes are comprehensive, fair and timely," according to an MIT statement. "MIT is fully committed to addressing these issues and will continue to work toward resolution of our differences with Professor Sherley."