The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents unanimously voted to revoke the tenure of a former campus chancellor who was terminated for producing pornographic films. The ex-chancellor, who had served at UW-La Crosse for nearly 17 years, had hoped to retain a teaching position as a communications professor but was denied.
University attorneys argued that the former chancellor's actions were unethical, violated his employment contract terms, damaged the university's reputation, and interfered with its mission. The decision to terminate his tenure was made in a closed session before being publicly announced.
The ex-chancellor has been on paid leave from his faculty position since his dismissal in 2023, following the discovery of pornographic videos featuring him on adult websites. He is contemplating legal action to challenge the decision to terminate his teaching role.
The case has attracted national attention due to the controversial nature of a high-ranking university official being involved in pornographic activities and discussing them publicly. It has also sparked debates about free speech rights, with the ex-chancellor arguing that his videos and e-books are protected under the First Amendment.
Despite his arguments, the university's attorney contended that while the videos themselves may be legal, they do not fall under the protection of his employment contract. The ex-chancellor's desire to return to teaching has faced opposition from his department chair, who raised concerns about his lack of recent teaching experience.
In a previous incident in 2018, the ex-chancellor faced criticism for inviting a porn actor to speak on campus and paying her with student fees. This decision was made after he had filmed a pornographic video with the actor. Additionally, he and his wife have authored e-books under pseudonyms and run a YouTube channel featuring cooking videos with porn actors.
