A chancellor of a university in Wisconsin was fired for creating and acting in pornographic videos with his wife.
Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow told the Associated Press that the school’s governing board removed him because university members were uncomfortable with the fact that he and his wife were creating and participating in pornographic videos.
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, which oversees UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse, and 11 other regional schools, unanimously agreed to terminate Gow during a secret meeting on Wednesday (Dec 27).
Following the vote, University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Regents President Karen Walsh made comments in which they stated that the regents had learned about Gow’s specific conduct that subjected the university to “significant reputational harm.”
Rothman called Gow’s behavior “abhorrent,” while Walsh added that she was “disgusted.” However, neither of them disclosed the specifics of the claims.
Gow told The Associated Press on Thursday (Dec 28) that regents discovered he and his wife, former UW-La Crosse professor Carmen Wilson, were producing and appearing in pornographic videos.
Never used the university’s name in the video: Chancellor
He further stated that he never used the name UW-La Crosse or discussed his work at the university in the films and that his dismissal violated his free speech rights.
“My wife and I live in a country where we have a First Amendment. We’re dealing with consensual adult sexuality. The regents are overreacting. They’re certainly not adhering to their commitment to free speech or the First Amendment,” he said.
Gow further claimed that the regents never told him of the policy he had violated and that he was never included in any hearings or provided a chance to present his case. He added that he has been thinking about filing a lawsuit.
“I got an email last night saying I was terminated. I wish I would have had the opportunity to have a hearing. When reasonable people understand what my wife and I are creating, it calms them down,” said Gow.
Meanwhile, Rothman claimed that Gow was unable to serve as a role model for teachers, students, and the community because he mistook the First Amendment for a “free pass to say or do whatever he wants.”
“Good judgment requires that there are and must be limits on what is said or done by the individuals entrusted to lead our universities,” said Rothman, in reply to AP.
