News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania is facing controversy as tenured professor Michael Mann is criticized for his tweets following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Despite backlash and calls for his termination, Mann remains on staff while some university officials remain silent. The situation is compounded by Mann’s resignation from his Vice Provost role and ongoing promotion of his new book amid the uproar. Questions linger about the university’s next steps regarding Mann’s position and the implications for academic freedom.
Backlash at University of Pennsylvania Over Professor’s Tweets
There’s a storm brewing at the University of Pennsylvania as controversy swirls around tenured professor Michael Mann. This climate scientist has come under fire for his social media remarks following the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Despite this backlash, Mann remains on the university payroll, and many are wondering what the future holds for him.
What Happened?
After the tragic news of Kirk’s death, Mann took to Twitter to retweet posts that were critical of Kirk. This action did not sit well with many, sparking a call for Mann’s termination from the university. Just when you think a university might take a stand, Mann is still listed as a tenured professor and holds the position of the Director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media.
Professor Resigns from Vice Provost Role
As this drama unfolds, it’s interesting to note that Mann stepped down from his role as Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action. He cited his ongoing commitments to “science policy advocacy work.” This resignation comes amid the public outrage and scrutiny over his comments.
The Criticism
One of the most vocal critics of Mann’s comments has been Steve Milloy, a Senior Policy Fellow at the Energy and Environment Legal Institute. Milloy expressed his discontent on social media, saying that the university should have taken stronger disciplinary actions against Mann. This dissatisfaction has echoed among various factions, including Pennsylvania GOP Senator Dave McCormick, who called for immediate action against Mann.
The University’s Silence
Upon receiving all this criticism, the University of Pennsylvania has been noticeably quiet about any potential disciplinary steps they might take. Penn Provost John Jackson Jr. confirmed that Mann had not been fired nor removed from his vice-provost position, but many are left wondering how the school plans to handle this delicate situation moving forward.
Mann’s Social Media Controversy
Following the outrage, Mann clarified that while he didn’t support the harsh language some used in discussing Kirk, he did share criticisms of an article by Ezra Klein that was sympathetic towards Kirk. This clarification does not seem to have settled the storm, as discussions about his social media behavior continue to circulate.
Book Promotion Amid Controversy
In a fascinating twist, Mann has been busy promoting his new book titled “Science Under Siege”, which aims to critique the anti-science movement. It seems like he’s not backing down as the criticism continues, using his platform to highlight issues in the scientific community.
Comparing Cases
This situation takes a curious turn when we look at another incident involving a different tenured professor at the university, Amy Wax. She’s currently suing the University for suspending her due to her own controversial remarks, claiming discrimination and a violation of her First Amendment rights. It’s evident that the university has seen its fair share of tension surrounding academic freedom and speech recently.
What’s Next for Mann?
As the dust continues to settle on this high-profile controversy, questions loom large around the future of Michael Mann at the University of Pennsylvania. Will the university take action, or will this turn into a long-lasting saga? Only time will tell!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: Ivy League Professor Faces Backlash
- Daily Pennsylvanian: Podcast with Amy Wax
- ABA Journal: Disciplinary Actions at Penn Law
- Reuters: Amy Wax’s Discrimination Lawsuit
- Inquirer: Amy Wax Lawsuit Overview
- Wikipedia: Michael Mann (Climatologist)
- Google Search: Michael Mann
- Google Scholar: Michael Mann
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michael Mann
- Google News: Michael Mann
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
