The longtime University of Wisconsin La Crosse chancellor fired for posting pornographic content to the Internet with his wife is now crying foul.
Appearing on CNN this Friday, former chancellor Joe Gow, who with his wife also wrote books documenting their experiences in the adult film industry, defended his actions by citing the First Amendment and also claimed he was denied due process.
“The regents had a meeting and they informed me after the meeting that I was no longer chancellor, and I was given no due process,” he said. “They never said what policy I violated. Also, there was no hearing where I could actually do as I’m doing with you now: talk about the issues.”
“And I think really, at the end of the day, it’s a question of, our material is covered by the First Amendment. It’s nothing illegal. We’re not inciting anybody to violence, or anything like that. I think it says something about how the board of regents says they want freedom of expression and free speech, but at the end of the day, they are not going to let me do that,” he added.
Listen:
In response to these remarks, CNN co-host Boris Sanchez asked Gow whether he’d signed a code of ethics when he’d accepted the position of chancellor.
“When I was appointed Chancellor, I did sign an employment agreement, but it didn’t say anything about a code of conduct or morality or anything like that,” he replied. “It did set a good example, and I think that what I’m doing with my wife is setting a good example regarding freedom of expression and free speech.”
Co-host Breanna Keilar then asked Gow whether he views his content as a “public service” that deserves protection.
“Well, I would say we would not be having this conversation if it wasn’t a public concern,” he replied. “So, I think this is something that is a big part of human life and something that there are a lot of taboos around, and people are reluctant to talk about it. And I think the best part, this whole episode, is that we are getting people to talk a little more freely.”
Sanchez pushed back on this argument by noting that Gow and his wife had published their books under a pseudonym.
“And in the books, correct me if I’m mistaken, you write about concern that if your actual name and public position came to light, there would be consequences,” the CNN co-host said.
He also pointed out Gow’s past history of weird on-campus behavior.
“Further, in 2018, you paid $5,000 for an adult film star to come to campus and to speak to students,” he said. “There was a controversy over that. You actually wound up reimbursing the university out of your own pocket because of that controversy, partly because it was student fees that you used.”
“So, you knew that this was potentially going to be an issue for you. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise that the university decided to part ways,” he added.
‘Abhorrent’: Longtime chancellor at Wisconsin university unanimously fired after posting pornos with wife https://t.co/WinJ2f6p7e via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) December 29, 2023
Gow responded by saying that this time he doesn’t plan to repeat the same mistake.
“Yes, and I’m glad you brought that up because the 2018 experience, I was ultimately coerced into paying that money and to making something of an apology, and I found that very unpleasant. And so, I did not want to do that again,” he said.
“And so, this time around, I’ve said, you know, I’m not going to cave in to pressure from the regents and going to do the right thing,” he added.
The school, for its part, has argued that it’s done nothing wrong. In a statement issued Thursday to Wisconsin Public Radio, UW system President Jay Rothman said “there are and must be limits” to what school officials, including chancellors, can do.
He also pushed back on Gow’s complaints about a lack of due process, arguing essentially that he’d served at the pleasure of the Board of Regents.
“We expect our chancellors, as the leaders of these great institutions, to be role models for our students, staff and faculty, as well for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Rothman said. “We likewise expect our chancellors to put the interests of the universities they lead ahead of their own personal and outside financial interests.”
“We believe these are attributes of great leaders in whom we can all take pride. … Unfortunately, Dr. Gow failed to live up to those standards. As a result of that abject failure, Dr. Gow is no longer the UWL chancellor, and it is time for us to turn the page,” he added.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
V. Saxena is a staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University. Saxena also contributes to BizPac Review.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.