An assistant music professor at the University of Cincinnati used a routine assignment in a pop music class to publicly insult a student’s religion and intelligence, and now he’s being investigated by university administration.

The student's assignment

The student’s writing assignment was about the song “Walk on Water.” Here’s part of what she wrote:

“I am a Middle Eastern Muslim female therefore Trump’s presidency and all the hate he has promoted and encouraged has impacted my family, friends, and I. This song restores my faith in America by depicting what America is really about and why we celebrate July 4th. It includes a diverse range of people from white, black, young, old, straight and gay all coming together to celebrate the birth of a country that is built off the idea of freedom.”

The professor's comments

Her professor, Clifford Adams, issued some scathing comments to the student that have more to do with Adams’ personal beliefs than popular music.

“The U.S. President’s first sworn duty is to protect America from enemies, and the greatest threat to our freedom is not the President, it is radical Islam. Review this list of Islamic terrorist attacks and then tell me about your hurt feelings.”

“Now, about Muslim females. As you well know, young Muslim women are murdered by their father or a brother for dating – or for holding hands with – a non-Muslim boy …”

“Muslim females are safer in America than in any Middle Eastern country. How dare you complain while enjoying our protection!”

“And just FYI: July 4th is not the day we tape a sign to a damn stick and go out and march with smug college brats and dysphoric drama queens, it is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. I am glad you took my class; you really do need to shut up, listen, and learn. Welcome to America, and welcome to college. – Adams”

University investigation

The university released a statement in response to the professor’s comments, which were public for other students to see and eventually shared on Facebook.

“The University of Cincinnati takes seriously all concerns for discriminatory or harassing conduct occurring within its community and pursuant to its policies, will conduct an appropriate review," UC spokesman Greg Vehr said in a statement. "Our commitment to excellence and diversity are affirmed in UC's very mission statement and fundamental to our very purpose as a public university."

The University of Cincinnati offices of Academic Personnel, Equal Opportunity & Access, and Title IX are investigating the incident.

(H/T Cincinnati.com)