KINGS POINT, N.Y.—A United States Merchant Marine Academy professor faces dismissal for joking about the Colorado massacre in front of his students.

A student’s father was among the shooting victims.

The New York Times ( http://nyti.ms/NCVm4f) says Gregory F. Sullivan has been suspended from his tenured position as humanities instructor.

The Times says the academy on Kings Point, Long Island, also informed Sullivan on Aug. 10 that he had 10 days to contest his dismissal.

According to an internal personnel document, Sullivan said: “If someone with orange hair appears in the corner of the room, run for the exit.”

He had just turned down the lights to show a documentary.

Colorado suspect James Holmes has dyed orange hair.

Sullivan offered an apology to the students and faculty. He declined comment to the Times.

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Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com