Professor James Tracey is facing a probe for Newtown conspiracy theory

[TaraJo]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/16/pr...onspiracy/

It's an interesting case that goes all the way back to freedom of speech. The professor spoke out, claiming that the shooting was a hoax perpetuated by the government to help pass stronger gun laws. The public heard about it and the school was bombarded by people demanding his termination. They might just get what they want.

[Violet]

Should I have heard of Newtown?

Sounds like it's from the Fallout universe. Gotta luv that Bigtown.

[Tiberius]

Isn't he tenured? It's very difficult to fire a tenured professor, especially for holding a political opinion.

[Minimalist]

Still, the guy sounds like a fucking moron.

Insanity may be grounds for dismissal.

[TaraJo]

Isn't he tenured? It's very difficult to fire a tenured professor, especially for holding a political opinion.

According to the story, he does seem to be tenured. That's another part of why it seems to be surprising that they're talking about letting him go. It also surprises me because I can see a very easy legal recourse he has: the first amendment and freedom of speech. As much as I think he's a paranoid asshat, he still has the right to speak his opinions. Generally, businesses have the right to decide who they keep and who they get rid of regardless of freedom of speech, but it's a little different when it's a shool. They accept a lot of money from the federal government and that money comes with strings attached.

I haven't watched any of his specific videos, but I have heard of the Sandy Hook conspiracy videos and a lot of them seem to attack the grieving families of slain children in Connecticut. One of the easiest ways to piss off the public is to mess with a grieving family, especially when it's parents who lost children.