Joe Gow, the longtime chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, has been terminated by the Universities of Wisconsin System Board of Regents following the revelation of his involvement in a porn career alongside his wife, Carmen Wilson.
Gow, who had served as chancellor since 2007, was immediately placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, pending further investigation.
Controversy Surrounds First Amendment Rights and Reputational Harm Concerns
The university officials discovered that Gow and Wilson, a former UW-La Crosse professor, were engaged in creating pornographic videos together under the pseudonyms Geri and Jay Hart.
Moreover, the couple had co-authored two books, “Married with Benefits: Our Real-Life Adult Industry Adventures” and “Monogamy with Benefits: How Porn Enriches Our Relationship,” openly discussing their experiences in the adult entertainment industry.
While Gow claims that these activities were pursued as private citizens and did not reference the university or his professional career, the university has expressed concern about the reputational harm caused by the chancellor’s actions.
Gow, as a tenured faculty member, had announced earlier this year his intention to transition back into a faculty role as a communications professor.
Gow’s dismissal has caused controversy; the former chancellor claims his First Amendment rights to free speech and expression were violated.
Gow argues that the university’s decision disregards his constitutional rights, emphasizing that their works were produced privately and did not intersect with his professional responsibilities.
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Firing of University Chancellor Sparks Controversy
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman condemned Gow’s behavior, stating that the specific conduct had caused significant reputational harm to the university.
When Rothman called the conduct “abhorrent,” the UW Board of Regents decided to fire Gow unanimously.
Gow, who claims he wasn’t afforded due process, received notice of his termination via a letter that lacked details about the policy violation and did not offer an opportunity for a hearing.
Expressing his surprise and dissatisfaction, Gow contemplates legal recourse to address what he sees as a violation of his rights.
The controversy surrounding Gow’s termination will likely continue, with the university engaging an outside law firm to investigate further.
The occurrence prompts more extensive inquiries into the convergence of personal and professional aspects for public figures within educational institutions, highlighting the nuanced equilibrium between the rights of free speech and the obligations linked to leadership positions.
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