KU Journalism professor David W. Guth placed on leave for anti-NRA tweet

[Dr. Strange]

A University of Kansas professor has been placed on administrative leave following a Twitter post that blamed the National Rifle Association for the Washington Navy Yard Killings.

Journalism associate professor David W. Guth has been facing criticism for the tweet, in which he says "blood is on the hands of the NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters."

He tweeted the comment in the aftermath of the Navy Yard shootings Monday that left several people dead, including the assailant.

More at: http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/KU-Professors-Tweet-Brings-Call-For-Dismissal-224555201.html

The tweet in question:
https://twitter.com/DWGuth/status/379679269016064000

[hlthe2b]

1. Truth hurts, it would appear, even for those who speak it.

[Robb]

2. Issues of poor taste notwithstanding, we seem to have a clash of Amendments on our hands. nt

[Dr. Strange]

4. I don't think so.

Poor taste notwithstanding, I think his speech is within bounds of the First Amendment; even if it is outside the bounds of the administration's comfort.

[aikoaiko]

3. Any consequences are not due to it being anti-NRA.

He wished a shooting massacre on people who may or may not be NRA.

[geek tragedy]

5. It's the "next time let it be your sons and daughters" bit that got him in trouble, I bet nt

[furious]

6. If he had left that part out,

he probably would have been ok.
I think if he issues an apology and retraction, he'll be re-instated.

[petronius]

7. If that had been a DU post, I'd vote to hide it. But I think the university is wrong

to have suspended him (even if a suspension with pay is kind of like a free sabbatical). He is free to speak his mind in his personal time and over his personal twitter account, and if the university is concerned about disruption, then it should take steps aimed at excluding those who might come in and disrupt...

The Chancellor's statement:

"In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation. Professor Guth's classes will be taught by other faculty members."

[Lizzie Poppet]

8. "Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters."

Regardless of one's position on gun control, that's a really shitty thing to say.