Still, Young said, he stood behind his comment that it's not within the values of the university to promote violence toward a group of people because of their race.

Jackson, one of the professors who signed Monday's letter to the administration, said Wednesday she was extremely disappointed with Young's latest statement, which appears to -- at least in part -- be in response to their letter.

"It doesn't fully respond to the substance of our letter," she said. "He doesn't retreat from his initial position. It's good to affirm academic freedom, but it doesn't mention the original story that started all this was manufactured. It doesn't condemn the violent threats against Tommy."

She said Young appears disengaged from the problem that his remarks have created.

"His remarks likely will have an impact on recruitment of minorities to this university and it does impact the faculty who teach about minority oppression in the classroom," she said. "You already have students coming to class who do not know a huge part of American history. I don't think he understands that his first and second statement don't actually help this situation."