VERMILLION, S.D. (KCAU) — University of South Dakota professor Michael Hook was recently placed on administrative leave following what the university deemed inappropriate comments online. KCAU 9 spoke with one student about his opinions on Hook’s outcome.
“It was a big shock,” said sophomore graphic design student Kempner Bowden. “The fact that it happened so fast, it kind of didn’t feel real at first.”
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Bowden had Hook for three classes. He says Hook never displayed any political leanings.
“He isn’t very vocal about those things, of course, in class,” said Bowden.
After Hook was placed on administrative leave, Bowden said many students believe what happened to Hook was unfair, and it has sparked debate across campus.
“This is just a prime example of having our rights taken away,” said Bowden.
Vice President of Student Activists for Equality on the USD campus, Sid Silas, said, “There’s been a lot of conflict on campus. There’s conflicts on what he said; not a lot of people agree with it. Some do agree with it, but it seems like the overall conclusion was that it was a violation of his First Amendment right when he was posted on leave.”
Professor Hook filed a lawsuit against the school in federal court. A federal judge decided Wednesday to grant Hook’s temporary restraining order. This means that the college will need to reinstate Hook to his position.
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