KU puts professor on administrative leave

[Tomkat]

September 20
BY BRIAN BURNES AND MARÁ ROSE WILLIAMS
The Kansas City Star




David Guth’s remarks, which had led NRA leaders to calls for his firing, were in response to Monday’s shootings at the Washington Navy Yard that left 13 people dead.

University officials called his words “repugnant,” and on Friday Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said Guth would be put on leave.

“In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation,” Gray-Little said in a statement.

Guth’s classes will be taught by other faculty members.

The professor tweeted Monday that “blood is on the hands” of the National Rifle Association.

“Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters,” the tweet read. “Shame on you. May God damn you.”

On Thursday, Ann Brill, dean of the university’s journalism school, said Guth’s views “do not represent our school, and we do not advocate violence directed against any group or individuals.”

While the First Amendment allows anyone to express an opinion, Brill said, “that privilege is not absolute and must be balanced with the rights of others.”

Timothy C. Caboni, university vice chancellor for public affairs, called Guth’s tweet “repugnant,” adding that it was “truly disgraceful that these views were expressed in such a callous and uncaring way.”

“We expect all members of the university community to engage in civil discourse and not make inflammatory and offensive comments,” he said.

In an email Thursday, Guth said the university had asked him not to do any more interviews and referred The Star to his personal blog. He wrote on the blog Monday that “I am angry, frustrated, sad and determined. The news of the senseless slaughter today at Washington’s Navy Yard has me again questioning how we can let this madness continue.

“Frankly, I don’t care if I am criticized for being too quick to judge, too harsh in my criticism or too strident in my tone.”

Various online sites picked up Guth’s remarks, and the president of the Kansas State Rifle Association said Guth should be fired.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/19/44 ... rylink=cpy

[Goldfish]

Good for the university to fire them

sent from a phancy fone

[Flightstopper]

He didn't threaten to kill or harm anyone, just speaking his mind. Granted none here would agree with him but I see no reason to end his career.

[assateague]

I do. There is such a thing as freedom of speech, but there is no such thing as freedom from the consequences of your speech. Just because we are free to speak our mind does not mean that we are free from any repercussions which may result.

[Olly]

I agree with Assa, he'll never go to jail for what he said but the college he worked for obviously disagreed with what he had to say and they chose to no longer employee him. I say good for them.

Sent from my phone.

[Tomkat]

Sitting in Lawrence reading this. This is a big deal around here. The Kansas state legislature has said if he isn't fired they will certainly review KU's state funding. And not in a favorable way.
He has taken down his twitter account.

Did I mention this fella is not from Kansas? He is from back east.



Blog- http://www.ksducks.com

[3legged_lab]

“Shame on you. May God damn you.”
Doesn't sound very righteous

[jarbo03]

Douche. Glad to see repercussions. The 1st amendment gives him his right to freely express his opinions, does not mean he has a right to be teaching.

[one2many]

Douche. Glad to see repercussions. The 1st amendment gives him his right to freely express his opinions, does not mean he has a right to be teaching.

or the right to be heard.