A University of Kansas instructor has been placed on leave after making violent comments about men who do not support female presidential candidates. In a video that went viral on social media, the instructor expressed frustration towards men who believe they are smarter than women and may not vote for a potential female president because of this belief.
The instructor suggested that those men should be lined up and shot, although he quickly retracted his statement by saying, “Did I say that? Scratch that from the recording, I don’t want the dean hearing that I said that.” The video drew millions of views on social media and sparked outrage.
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas called for the university to fire the instructor, stating that anyone suggesting violence against men who do not support female candidates is deranged and should not be in academia. The instructor, identified as Phil Lowcock, serves as the director of International Student-Athlete Support at the University of Kansas and is also an adjunct faculty member in health, sport, and exercise.
The University of Kansas confirmed that the instructor has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the university acknowledged the inappropriate reference to violence and stated that the instructor deeply regrets the situation. The university emphasized its commitment to women’s rights and equality but acknowledged that the instructor failed to convey this message effectively.
In addition to this controversy, the University of Kansas has faced criticism for offering a history course titled “Angry White Male Studies.” The course aims to explore the historical background of white male anger in modern America and its global manifestations. The university defended the course as a valid subject of study, despite the backlash it has received.
Overall, the incident involving the instructor’s violent remarks highlights the importance of respectful discourse and the need to address gender equality issues in a constructive manner. It also raises questions about the boundaries of academic freedom and the responsibility of educators to promote inclusive and respectful dialogue on controversial topics.