Should ex UW-La Crosse Chancellor, Joe Gow be allowed to teach after porn controversy?

 

LA CROSSE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow's tenure is on the line.

The university says enough is enough and that it's time to put the controversy to a close, while Joe Gow's representation says he shouldn't be punished for utilizing his right to free speech.

"Dr. Gow can simply not be trusted, and certainly not trusted in a classroom," said Wade Harrison, system legal counsel for the University of Wisconsin System.

Friday, Dr. Gow made his plea to continue pursuing his passion of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, despite controversy over making public porn videos online.

"There are members of the public who are offended by faculty speech on any number of issues," said Mark Leitner, Gow's representation with Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC.

Gow's representation argues he is being punished for content of free speech, saying Gow's content is sex positive and promotes a healthy marriage.

"The public is interested in sexual matters and that's just a fact," said Leitner.

The university says Gow's pornography videos, made with his wife, violate several UWL regulations and policies.

"Gow is a public employee and his pornographic videos are legal, but they are not protected speech in the context of Gow's public employment," said Harrison.

The university argued Gow exploited his role at the university to generate additional interest in his sexual content.

"Dr. Gow's behavior has been unethical, hypocritical and unacceptable," said Harrison.

The university claimed Gow is damaging the university's reputation, receiving complaints from parents and donors.

Gow pointed out UWL had its largest incoming class in school history this fall and any damage to the school's reputation is speculation.

Gow said he stands by his first amendment rights, claiming he's been treated like a criminal.

CBS 58 asked Gow after the meeting if he would continue making content; he said it's not off the table.

"We aren't doing that actively right now and I don't know that we will, but we certainly wouldn't want to give up the right to do that if we choose to, just like other people have the right to watch it or not," said Gow.

A UWL faculty committee unanimously recommended in July Gow lose his faculty position and they still stand by this decision.

"The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse respectfully requests that Dr. Gow be terminated for cause," said Harrison. "Enough is enough. Dr. Joe needs to go."

No word on when the final decision from the board will be made, but Gow says if he is fired, he will pursue legal action.