LA CROSSE – Former UW-La Crosse chancellor Dr. Joe Gow wants to teach again. Gow, who was removed from his position for posting pornographic videos of he and his wife online, is fighting to keep his faculty position.
A two-day disciplinary hearing was scheduled to start Wednesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Five UW-La Crosse professors make up the “jury,” or the hearing committee assigned to Gow’s case, the paper said.
RELATED: Dr. Joe Gow considering litigation in wake of removal over pornographic scandal
If he were to return to teaching, Gow told WTMJ’s Wis. Morning News he wouldn’t rule out posting more pornographic videos.
“(My wife, Carmen, and I) would want to retain our right to do what we do in our personal lives on our own time,” Gow told WTMJ. “I don’t know if that would mean more videos. We’re not going to rule that out in exchange for me keeping my teaching job.”
“We’re not champing at the bit to (post more videos).”
Is Joe Gow still making those videos that got him in trouble with UW-La Crosse?@vincevitrano & @erikbilstadWTMJ spoke w/ Gow ahead of his hearing which will decide if Gow can stay on as a professor at the University
— 620 WTMJ (@620wtmj) June 19, 2024
Listen to the full interview here: https://t.co/PjA4PwHsto pic.twitter.com/NOPnoR4sAG
Gow and his wife haven’t made a video since last summer, he said. He claimed the UW-L issue is about his 1st Amendment rights.
“This is 2024,” he said. “The university has the opportunity to show it is on the leading edge of free speech and expression. Everyone likes to talk about (free speech) and say they’re all for it. But really, when it comes down to it, are you willing to say: ‘This is controversial, but nonetheless, it is protected by the UW commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression…?'”
If Joe Gow is retained as a professor at UW-La Crosse, would he continue to teach at the University he was once Chancellor?
— 620 WTMJ (@620wtmj) June 19, 2024
Wisconsin's Morning News spoke with Gow before his hearing later today
Listen to the FULL interview here: https://t.co/PjA4PwI0iW pic.twitter.com/SpaAEymXUK
If Gow were to return to teaching, he would target topics on technology, media, economics, and regulation. He believes there are many students who are “eager” to see him in the classroom.
“There might be some students who would be reluctant to take a class with me, that’s fine,” Gow explained. “I would (tell the class), ‘I know there is some awkwardness and controversy. Let’s talk about it.’ (I would) make sure everyone is comfortable.”
“I’m looking forward to finally getting this moment.”
When reached for comment, Mark Pitsch, media relations director at Universities of Wisconsin, told WTMJ “This is an ongoing personnel matter and we cannot comment.”
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