LACROSSE, Wis. – The former University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse chancellor, Joe Gow, expressed confidence about keeping his role on the faculty at an upcoming hearing. “Finally we’re going to get down to the fundamental First Amendment freedom of expression questions,” Gow said in a WXOW interview. He was fired as chancellor in December after the UW system regents learned he was producing and performing in sex videos being marketed ostensibly as marital aids. The issue, besides Gow’s removal as chancellor, is whether to strip him also of any continuing role on the faculty. A final hearing is scheduled for Friday in Madison before the UW Board of Regents’ personnel committee. The issue, Gow said in the interview: “Can the university fire a tenured faculty member for their speech and expression? It really will be an important meeting. We’re eager to get it happening.” Gow noted he has counsel from Milwaukee lawyer Mark Leitner, whose specialties include constitutional law and the First Amendment. Gow also has backing from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
Earlier: Gow’s adult-film appeal: Now to Madison hearing
Earkier: Gow: UW-L faculty probe was a bamboozle
Earlier: Faculty review to Gow: Leave, don’t come back
Earlier: UW-LaCrosse showdown: Gow v. regents
Gow. Fired on the eve of retirement for writing sex advice books under a pseudonym with wife. Also for explicit videos on the same theme.
Leitner. Among the few lawyers nationwide who have won both a jury verdict and a settlement of more than $100 million.
UW-LaCrosse enrollment
A argument for removing Gow as chancellor and from the faculty was potential damage to student recruitment, Preliminary enrollment data for this fall semester show an an increae to 10,438.