In 2004, Chris Dussold, an assistant professor of finance, was fired by Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for copying someone else’s teaching statement. No one would have predicted the fallout from that dismissal, or guessed that the battle would stretch on for four years.

But now, at long last, it’s over. Mr. Dussold and the university have reached a settlement, and consequently the professor’s lawsuit against university officials has been dismissed. No details are being released about the settlement, and neither side is admitting defeat (or claiming victory, for that matter). According to a joint statement, the settlement will “allow all parties to move forward in their individual pursuits and careers.”

It’s impossible to briefly summarize the twists and turns of the complicated saga. But you can read a longish article about Mr. Dussold’s case here. Or go here to find out how the scandal reached all the way to the office of the university’s president. —Thomas Bartlett