Current:Home > NewsUniversity of Wisconsin fires former porn-making chancellor who wanted stay on as a professor -SecureNest Finance
University of Wisconsin fires former porn-making chancellor who wanted stay on as a professor
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:07:35
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to fire a communications professor who was seeking to retain tenure after his dismissal as chancellor of one of the system’s campuses for making pornographic films.
Joe Gow, who had served as chancellor of UW-La Crosse for nearly 17 years, argued last week that he should be allowed to retain a teaching position on campus. But university attorneys argued he was unethical, violated terms of his employment contact, damaged the reputation of the university and interfered with its mission.
The regents met in closed session Friday morning before voting in public to fire Gow. There was no discussion in open session before the board voted.
Gow has said he is considering filing a lawsuit to retain his teaching job. He didn’t immediately return a message Friday morning.
Gow has been on paid leave from his faculty position since the regents fired him as chancellor in 2023, shortly after university leaders became aware of the videos, which were posted on pornographic websites.
The case has garnered national attention both for the salaciousness of a high-profile university official making pornographic movies and publicly talking about it, and the questions it raises about free speech rights.
Gow argued that his videos and two e-books he and his wife, Carmen, have published about their experiences in adult films are protected by the First Amendment. The university’s attorney argued that Gow’s videos themselves are legal, but that they are not protected speech under his employment contract.
Zach Greenberg, an attorney with free speech advocacy group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, called the regents’ decision “a major blow to academic freedom and free speech rights.”
“FIRE has said time and time again: public universities cannot sacrifice the First Amendment to protect their reputations,” Greenberg said. “We’re disappointed UW caved to donors and politicians by throwing a tenured professor under the bus.”
Republican legislators already view the Universities of Wisconsin system as a liberal incubator. Last year, they forced it to scale back its diversity initiatives. System President Jay Rothman has been trying not to alienate conservatives further as he seeks approval for an $855 million increase in the next state budget.
Gow’s hope to return to teaching in the classroom was opposed by his department chair, Linda Dickmeyer. She said that because Gow has not taught for 20 years, he would be assigned general education courses, but she opposes allowing him to return to teaching in any role.
Gow was criticized in 2018 for inviting porn actor Nina Hartley to speak on campus. She was paid $5,000 out of student fees to appear. He developed the idea of bringing her to campus after shooting a pornographic video with her, the university said.
Gow and his wife’s e-books were written under pseudonyms: “Monogamy with Benefits: How Porn Enriches Our Relationship” and “Married with Benefits — Our Real-Life Adult Industry Adventures.” But they also star in a YouTube channel called “Sexy Healthy Cooking,” in which the couple cooks meals with porn actors.
veryGood! (46868)
Related
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- How Blacksburg Books inspires its Virginia community to shop local
- Oregon lodge famously featured in ‘The Shining’ will reopen to guests after fire forced evacuations
- Why FedEx's $25 million NIL push is 'massive step forward' for Memphis Tigers sports
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Morgan Wallen Breaks Silence on Arrest Over Alleged Chair-Throwing Incident
- New Starbucks cups reduce plastic and water waste while bettering accessibility to the visually impaired
- Tesla recalls Cybertrucks due to faulty accelerator pedal that can get stuck
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- NBA playoffs 2024: Six players under pressure to perform this postseason
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. US denies involvement
- White Green: Investment Philosophy under Macro Strategy
- Colorado organizers fail to gather enough signatures to put anti-abortion measure on the ballot
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- UFL schedule for Week 4 games: D.C. Defenders vs. Birmingham Stallions in big matchup
- Columbia University protests continue for 3rd day after more than 100 arrested
- Who will win the Stanley Cup? Predictions for NHL playoffs bracket
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Dave McCarty, World Series winner with 2004 Boston Red Sox, dies at 54
'The Jinx' Part 2: Release date, time, where to watch new episodes of Robert Durst docuseries
All the Stars Who Have Dated Their Own Celebrity Crushes
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Longtime ESPNer Howie Schwab, star of 'Stump the Schwab' sports trivia show, dies at 63
Reduced Snow Cover and Shifting Vegetation Are Disrupting Alpine Ecosystems, Study Finds
Longtime ESPNer Howie Schwab, star of 'Stump the Schwab' sports trivia show, dies at 63