Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA)
has acted against a professor who made comments that attempted to normalize “minor-attracted
persons”—or as the criminal justice system refers to the behavior—pedophilia.
“Old Dominion University (ODU) has placed Dr. Allyn Walker on administrative leave, effective immediately, from [his] position as assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice,” says Amber Kennedy, a spokesperson for ODU in a statement released last week.
The non-binary professor’s comments sparked widespread outrage across the nation and on campus. “I was very surprised and shocked. I actually didn’t believe it until I saw it on Twitter,” College Republicans president Andrew Lambakis told television station WVEC. “I’m actually thinking about planning a peaceful protest against Allyn Walker.”
The spokesperson for this taxpayer-funded university said, “Reactions to Dr. Walker’s research and book have led to concerns for their safety and that of the campus.” Kennedy added, “Furthermore, the controversy over Dr. Walker’s research has disrupted the campus and community environment and is interfering with the institution’s mission of teaching and learning.”
The ODU president also released a statement condemning child sexual abuse. “I want to state in the strongest terms possible that child sexual abuse is morally wrong and has no place in our society,” said ODU President Brian O. Hemphill. “This is a challenging time for our University, but I am confident that we will come together and move forward as a Monarch family.”
The leave announcement followed an earlier statement in which the university said it does not “promote crimes against children.” “Following recent social media activity and direct outreach to the institution, it is important to share that Old Dominion, as a caring and inclusive community, does not endorse or promote crimes against children or any form of criminal activity,” the statement read.
Hmmm, maybe there's still a line out there somewhere.
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