Professor who became combative after student called police officers ‘heroes’ is now on leave
An adjunct professor at Cypress College in California is on leave after becoming combative when a student referred to police officers as "heroes."
The professor, who remains unnamed at the time of this reporting, became increasingly antagonistic after a freshman in a virtual class defended law enforcement officers during his presentation.
What's a brief history here?
The student, 19-year-old Braden Ellis, was delivering a speech on "cancel culture" for a communications class when he said, "I think cops are heroes."
The professor interrupted, "All of them?"
Ellis responded, "I mean, I'd say a good majority of them. We have bad people in every business, in every — "
Cutting him off for a second time, the professor shot back, "A lot of police officers have committed atrocious crimes and have gotten away with it and have never been convicted of any of it."
The two engaged in conversation as the professor became increasingly agitated with Ellis' line of thought and eventually blurted, "I don't trust them. My life's in more danger in their presence."
What's happening now?
After the filmed exchange went viral, Cypress College issued a statement revealing that the professor would be "taking a leave of absence" for the duration of her time at the college.
"The adjunct professor will be taking a leave of absence for the duration of her assignment at Cypress College. This was her first course at Cypress and she had previously indicated her intention to not return in the fall."
"Cypress College takes great pride in fostering a learning environment for students where ideas and opinions are exchanged as a vital piece of the educational journey," the statement continued. "Our community fully embraces this culture; students often defend one another's right to express themselves freely, even when opinions differ. Any efforts to suppress free and respectful expression on our campus will not be tolerated."
Anything else to know?
Ellis told the Orange County Register that he respected the professor despite her opposing views.
"I'm a student, that means I'm not going to bag on her," he said. "She has authority, and that means I give her respect."
He continued, "I don't think she had anything against me personally, just against my argument for police."
Elsewhere in his remarks to the outlet, Ellis said that he was deeply concerned about what he suggested was indoctrination in higher learning.
"Why does [the professor] have to bring in biased liberal ideology and stick that down our throats?" he wondered. "We're learning about white privilege, and what does that have to do with anything? I was supposed to take this class to learn how to speak better."
He later told the New York Post that those opposing that "liberal ideology" need to speak up.
“Liberal ideology is bad right now and people need to expose it and fight back — with gentleness and respect. Imagine if we don't fight back now? What will they teach us in 10 years? It would be pure hatred," Ellis said. “I have another [instructor] who is just as bad. These teachers just spew divisiveness and hatred toward our country."
You can view video of the interaction below.
Woke Professor Argues With Student After He Called Police Heroes www.youtube.com
(H/T: The Police Tribune)