For ten years, I taught at Chicago and was involved in research projects. One of the results was my participation in RDCEP (https://www.rdcep.org). Yongyang’s funding comes from that NSF grant.
There were many conflicts with the non-economists. One example was their attack on the character of economists involved in the Copenhagen Consensus, saying that their opinions on climate change issues were bought. One of those people is Nancy Stokey (http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/expert/nancy-stokey). When UC professors would say these things, I would remind them of her participation. One professor said that he was not aware of her participation but also said “if the shoe fits…”
After the NSF grant renewal was received last summer, UC threw me off the grant. UC said that I had ended all my research collaborations with RDCEP people, and that Yongyang was doing all the essential research anyway. The result is that Yongyang is a hostage because the only way he can do what is necessary for him to keep his funding is for me to spend a large effort continuing to work on the climate change policy work. At the same time, RDCEP broadcasts to the world (https://www.rdcep.org/rdcep-alumni) that I no longer collaborate with any of their researchers.
ALL of the UC professors involved in RDCEP supported these decisions. The then-provost also gave his support in response to the attached message I sent on Valentine’s Day. No one disputes my claim that the UC lied to the NSF. The NSF told me that this is an internal UC matter, and has no interest in looking at my criticisms.
I know that there is enough money to support Yongyang through September, 2016. Chicago has said that they will only support him through September, 2015, which is forcing Yongyang to go on the job market this winter.
Some wonder why I am involved in so many fights. It is not because I am treated worse than other people. The difference is that if a boot is pressing down on my neck, I will fight to get it off even if the color of the boot is Harvard crimson, Stanford cardinal, or Chicago maroon.