Efforts were made to reach Professor Edward Hedican for comment, but none were immediately successful.

The posts were received with numerous comments from other complaining about the professor’s behaviour and expressing support for the student who had stood up to voice her concerns during the class.

The social media posts got the attention of the university’s administration.

University spokesperson Lori Bona Hunt said the provost and other administrators and faculty were made aware of the incident Tuesday “following the appearance of social media posts.”

Some emails were also received Tuesday, Bona Hunt said.

She declined to provide the identity of the student or the professor, but said the professor’s two courses Tuesday were cancelled.

Arrangements are being made for the teaching of those courses while the professor is on leave, and the classes will continue, she said.

“I find this situation troubling,” Yates said in her statement about the incident.

“The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring a positive learning environment for our students; therefore, I am taking the matter seriously,” she said.

A statement from #UofG's Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Charlotte Yates. pic.twitter.com/OmEEnRkPaE — University of Guelph (@uofg) January 16, 2018

Bona Hunt said it’s “premature to speculate about outcomes” of the university’s investigation of the incident.

Yates’ statement went on to express appreciation for the students who brought the incident forward.

“I appreciate the care and concern demonstrated by students who have reached out to me and to other U of G administrators and faculty about this situation,” it said.

“I believe this was an isolated incident; we will remain vigilant to ensure openness, respect and inclusion at U of G.”