Journalism prof suspended over anti-NRA tweet

University of Kansas's David Guth may be fired over online reaction to Washington's Navy Yard shooting.

Storified by AJAMStream· Tue, Sep 24 2013 14:06:42

#KU professor @DWGuth is the one who is mentally unstable and should never have a gun. http://twitter.com/goseabrook/status/381128960265838592/photo/1”Mike

(pictured below) was On September 20, Guthwas placed under administrative leave indefinitely for his comments.

Hayspost

KU's Chancellor, Bernadette Gray-Little, released a statement clarifying the university's decision:

Free speech is essential to the functioning of a university, and I want to emphasize that this action was taken in order to avoid further disruption of the learning environment and not because of the nature of the professor’s comments, regardless of how controversial they may be. The professor has agreed this leave is in the best interests of students.chancellor.ku.edu

While the tweet was deleted, along with the professor's Twitter account, many are calling for him to be fired, including Kansas State Senator Greg Smith

As long as Professor Guth remains employed by the University of Kansas I will no longer recommend the university as an institution worthy of attendance by any of my students nor, as a State Senator, will I support any budget proposals or recommendations for the University of Kansas.gregsmith4kansas.com

Prof @DWGuth at KU wants my 9yo son murdered bc I'm a member of the #NRA. He should be terminated with prejudice immediately. #firedavidguthCarl Walston

@FranklinCenter LIBERAL HATE SPEECH & death wishes. This time it's David Guth, assoc prof, journalism, University of Kansas. Get him fired!James Prain

Guth stood by his statement despite his suspension. He clarified on his personal blog:

Frankly, I don't care if I am criticized for being too quick to judge, too harsh in my criticism or too strident in my tone. The time has passed for niceties and tact. The blood spilled today is on the hands of the National Rifle Association.snappingturtle.us

Many online expressed support for him:

Freedom of speech does not exist. This whole David Guth news story is just another example of that.Navid

So should I disable my Twitter account so I don't risk being fired? Are professors allowed to profess? huff.to/1ewen7Scarolschlagheck

I don't think #davidGuth should get fired or placed on leave, he was just tring to make a statement not wish death... twitpl.us/t/kyabLA`LA

An Academe Blog post also addressed the role a university may have in the professor's public comments.

In response to the Guth controversy, the KU Board of Regents did not defend academic freedom but instead declared, “The Board of Regents expresses its disgust and offense at the statement made by David Guth.” This was a gutless and stupid statement. In general, a board of regents has no business evaluating the public comments of anyone on public policy matters, because doing so creates the impression that anyone who expresses such disfavored views may face a penalty. They have the freedom to abuse their responsibilities by making collective statements like this, but it is highly irresponsible.academeblog.org

What do you think of David Guth's statement? Tweet us your opinion using #ajamstream or leave a comment below.