The University of Kansas associate journalism professor who tweeted that NRA members’ children should be the next to die in a mass shooting has been placed on indefinite administrative leave. He will — of course — continue to receive his full salary.
In the wake of the Navy Yard shooting, David Guth tweeted a series of violent, hateful messages about the NRA and its members’ families.
#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
When another Twitter user challenged his remarks, he added that “God’s justice takes many forms.” He also stood by his statements in an interview with Campus Reform.
UK administrators issued a statement saying that Guth’s comments were not protected by the First Amendment.
“Professor Guth’s views do not represent our school and we do not advocate violence directed against any group or individuals,” wrote Ann Brill, dean of UK’s journalism school, in a statement to a local news channel.
His teaching duties have been assigned to other professors. The university is investigating what other actions to take regarding his employment status. (RELATED: Hateful prof says NRA members’ children should be next to die)
Guth told The Daily Caller that paid leave was in his own best interest due to threats he has received since writing the Tweets.
“I have had conversations with the university and have agreed to this action in light of the abusive email threats I and others have received,” he wrote. “It is in it the best interests and peace of mind of our students that I remove myself from the situation and let cooler heads prevail.”
Guth also said that his comments had been taken out of context.
“It is unfortunate that my comments have been deliberately distorted,” he wrote. “I know what I meant. Unfortunately, this is a topic that generates more heat than light.”
