By Alabama Public Radio
Auburn AL – Auburn University officials say the firing of two school employees is not related to a suit they filed regarding alleged unsafe working conditions. An Auburn spokesperson says the layoffs of workers Gary Roberts and Tim Martin are "purely for economic and academic reasons.'' But Roberts and Martin say they will lose their jobs because they spoke out about violations of federal and state fire codes at Auburn's College of Engineering. The layoffs become effective in May, but the men can apply for other campus jobs.