A journalism professor at the University of Kansas was put on leave following a controversial tweet regarding the Navy Yard massacre and the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Kansas City Star reported.
Professor David Guth sent the tweet out on the day of the Navy Yard shooting that left 13 people dead, directed towards members of the NRA.
#NavyYardShooting The blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you.
— David Guth (@DWGuth) September 16, 2013
Officials at the university called his comments "repugnant" and Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced Friday that Guth would be placed on leave.
"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," Gray-Little said in a statement.
Guth's courses will be taught by other faculty members.
Ann Brill, dean of the journalism school, said on Thursday that Guth's views "do not represent our school, and we do not advocate violence directed against any group or individuals."
Although the school recognizes freedom of expression, Brill added "that privilege is not absolute and must be balanced with the rights of others."
Other faculty members agree with Brill. Timothy C. Caboni, university vice chancellor for public affairs, condemned Guth's tweet and said it was "truly disgraceful that these views were expressed in such a callous and uncaring way."
"We expect all members of the university community to engage in civil discourse and not make inflammatory and offensive comments," he added.
The Kansas City Star reported Guth said the university asked him to not participate in any interviews. He directed the newspaper to his blog for more information, where he posted a statement about the issue.
"I am angry, frustrated, sad and determined. The news of the senseless slaughter today at Washington's Navy Yard has me again questioning how we can let this madness continue.
"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 president of the Kansas chapter of the NRA called for Guth to be fired.
