EAST LANSING, Mich. — Professor William Penn will no longer be teaching but is still employed by the university after a video of him ranting about Republicans in his class went viral, according to Michigan State University, .
The video was secretly recorded on the first day of class last week and was picked up by political websites.
In the video, Penn bashes Republicans and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann.
Here is a statement on the situation released by Michigan State University spokesperson Kent Cassella:
“Michigan State University is committed to creating a learning environment that is characterized by mutual respect and civility where diverse ideas can be explored.
“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.”
