Mike Isaacson, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice who made numerous jokes about dead cops and openly supports Antifa, has been placed on administrative leave by the school.
The college contacted The Daily Caller Friday with a statement from college president Karol V. Mason to announce that the professor has been placed on administrative leave following TheDC reporting on Isaacson’s comments. The report prompted users on social media to participate in a popular #FireMike Twitter hashtag calling for the college to take action against him.
“Many of you may be aware of recent statements made by a John Jay College adjunct on social media, television and in the press,” he wrote, and proceeded to denounce Isaacson’s statements.
“I want to state clearly that I was shocked by these statements. They are abhorrent. This adjunct expressed personal views that are not consistent with our college’s well known and firm values and principles and my own personal standards and principles,” he continued.
“I am appalled that anyone associated with John Jay, with our proud history of supporting law enforcement authorities, would suggest that violence against police is ever acceptable. I join with the many students, faculty, alumni and other members of our community in condemning these statements. The John Jay alumni who work in law enforcement, and the students who aspire to careers in law enforcement, represent our best. They secure the safety of our families and communities and deserve our respect.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice has a mission of educating fierce advocates for justice – including the next generation of police and law enforcement professionals. While John Jay strongly supports and affirms the right of free speech and independent views and expressions by our faculty, students and staff, the statements made by the adjunct are the antithesis of what John Jay College represents.
We recognize that the open exchange of diverse, even opposing ideas and perspectives gives strength to our institution and enriches the educational experience of our students. Indeed, to fulfill our mission, it is vital that we support our students, faculty and staff in engaging in robust, civil, and vigorous debate about the issues of the day. While respecting free speech and academic freedom are deeply held values, expressions of hate or intimidation are not welcome in that civil discourse, nor is anything that can be perceived as an incitement to violence.”
The college president says that members of the faculty received threats, and students express concerns for their personal safety as a result of Isaacson’s views and public comments. As such, the school is now placing Isaacson on administrative leave as they review the matter.
Chancellor James B. Milliken of the City of University of New York has also released a statement condemning Isaacson’s calls for violence against the police. He wrote:
Today I became aware of statements by an adjunct professor at one of CUNY’s colleges, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, with despicable references to police. I discussed the matter with John Jay College’s president, Karol Mason, and we are in complete agreement that the faculty member’s comments were abhorrent, violating not only our values supporting respectful discourse at this university, but also personal standards of decency. We are extremely proud of our long tradition at CUNY of educating some of the most important members of our community, the law enforcement professionals who maintain our safety, at times at great risk, and earn our respect every day. We will always stand up for freedom of speech and the open exchange of sometimes conflicting or offensive ideas, but we will also condemn statements we deem hateful, discriminatory and harmful to our community.
Ian Miles Cheong is a journalist and outspoken media critic. You can reach him through social media at @stillgray on Twitter and on Facebook.
