For 2nd Time in 2 Weeks, OU Professor Uses N-Word in Class

Incident occurred before action steps from last incident could be carried out
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 25, 2020 10:30 AM CST
For 2nd Time in 2 Weeks, OU Professor Uses N-Word in Class
A view of the Stephenson Research and Technology Center on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., on Dec. 17, 2010.   (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Two weeks after a University of Oklahoma professor made headlines for his use of the n-word in class, another University of Oklahoma professor is making headlines for using the n-word in class. This time around it was a history professor, and OU says in a statement that she issued a "trigger warning" before reading aloud from a "historical document that used the 'N-word' repeatedly." "It is common sense to avoid uttering the most offensive word in the English language, especially in an environment where the speaker holds the power," reads the statement from the university's interim president, Joseph Harroz, per CNN. "While she could have made the point without reciting the actual word, she chose otherwise."

Harroz says that following the last incident, when a journalism professor compared the phrase "OK, boomer" to the n-word (and used the word in its entirety in class), OU decided to implement required diversity, equity, and inclusion training for faculty and staff, but that plan hasn't yet been rolled out. As for the journalism class incident, KOCO reports that the professor involved, Peter Gade, ended up stepping down from teaching that course for the rest of the semester. "Dr. Gade also has agreed that this episode is a chance to learn and grow," reads a statement cited by the OU Daily. "Thus, he will engage in OU's program in culturally competent communication over the next month. Further, he has agreed to meet one-on-one with OU's team in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in sessions over the coming semester." (OU has had problems with racist incidents for years.)

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