UConn Professor Defends Rant

[Confused Ape]

From the article -

Earlier this year, UConn Assistant Football Coach Ernest Jones resigned after the dean publicly criticized him for saying,Jesus Christ should be in the center of our huddles”

“UConn came down on him like the wrath of God,” Wolfgang said.

Now some people are questioning why UConn isn’t holding Professor Boster to the same standard.

“Everyone has the right to exercise free speech on our campuses. At the same time, we expect our faculty to act in a way that promotes civil discourse and to express themselves respectfully. The use of abusive language and the confrontational posture seen here are inconsistent with UConn’s values,” a statement the university says.

“Yes, I’m in deep trouble. … The Dean has summoned me into his office,” Boster said.

I looked up Ernest Jones

Jones, the coach for player engagement and running backs, came under fire after a story in The Courant in January when he said "we're going to make sure [players] understand that Jesus Christ should be in the center of our huddle, that that's something that is important."

Herbst (UConn President) responded to the Jones comment in January by saying in a letter to the editor in The Courant that "at public universities we value everyone in our community, and treat each person with the same degree of respect, regardless of who they are, what their background is, or what their beliefs may be. Every student, including student-athletes, must know they are accepted and welcomed at UConn. Always. Our staff should educate and guide students, to ensure they are well-prepared for life at UConn and beyond. But it should go without saying that our employees cannot appear to endorse or advocate for a particular religion or spiritual philosophy as part of their work at the university, or in their interactions with our students. This applies to work-related activity anywhere on or off campus, including on the football field. Our athletic director and Coach Diaco agree wholeheartedly with me, and have made this clear to their staff."

The way I see it, Professor Boster isn't being picked on if he's told off for the his behaviour. Being confrontational, using bad language and leading students to shout "Praise Darwin" is as much against the university's values as promoting a particular religion.