The professor who went on a rant against Republicans on the first day of his class at Michigan State University last week, calling them dying white people who raped America, has been pulled from the classroom, the university announced. The scholar also admitted “some of his comments were inappropriate, disrespectful and offensive and may have negatively affected the learning environment,” according to campus officials.
Via the Detroit Free Press:
“Michigan State University is committed to creating a learning environment that is characterized by mutual respect and civility where diverse ideas can be explored,” MSU spokesman Kent Cassella said in a statement Thursday. “On Sept. 3, university leaders were made aware of several statements made by Professor William Penn in a classroom. Once MSU was made aware of the situation, the Office of the Provost immediately began a review.
“The dean of the College of Arts and Letters and a representative from the provost’s office met with Penn, who acknowledged that some of his comments were inappropriate, disrespectful and offensive and may have negatively affected the learning environment.
“Penn’s teaching duties have been reassigned to others. Students’ education will continue as scheduled with alternate instructors.”
Penn could not be immediately reached for comment. The move drew immediate praise from MSU Board of Trustees member Mitch Lyons, a Republican.
“This was the appropriate immediate response needed,” he told the Free Press. “We need to ensure that our classrooms have a free exchange of ideas and opinions. This immediate action allows the students to have that freedom while Professor Penn’s status is further evaluated.”
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