Officials at Mississippi University for Women have terminated new campus Police Chief John Harris.

Harris, who has only been on the job since April 20, also serves as a city councilman in Meridian, where he currently is running for re-election.

Harris was informed by the university he would have to move to Columbus permanently as a condition of his hiring. However, state law requires municipal representatives live in the political area they represent.

MUW would not comment on the specific reason Harris was let go, but MUW Assistant to the President and Chief Counsel Perry Sansing has said it would be close to impossible for Harris effectively to serve both MUW and Meridian.

MUW Director of Public Affairs Anika Perkins confirmed the termination on Friday.