A University of Central Florida (UCF) has to reinstate one of its professors who was sacked after controversial tweets about “Black privilege” in the wake of George Floyd’s death, according to an arbitrator.
“If Afr. Americans as a group, had the same behavioral profile as Asian Americans (on average, performing the best academically, having the highest income, committing the lowest crime, etc.), would we still be proclaiming ‘systematic racism’ exists?,” Dr. Charles Negy, an associate professor of psychology who taught at UCF for 22 years and had tenure for 18 years, tweeted in January 2021.
In a subsequent tweet, he wrote: “Black privilege is real: Besides affirm. action, special scholarships and other set asides, being shielded from legitimate criticism is a privilege. But as a group, they’re missing out on much-needed feedback.”
Dr. Negy was suspended following his comments.
UCF claimed that Negy’s termination was not because of his Twitter comment, instead claiming he was suspended because of student complaints and creating a hostile working environment.
Last week, an arbitrator found that the tweet was not “just cause” for Nagy’s termination, arguing that UCF did not give the professor enough opportunity to correct his behavior. In addition to his job, he was also awarded his tenure and back pay.
UCF will not fight the ruling but released a statement explaining that they stand by their decision to fire him.
“UCF stands by the actions taken following a thorough investigation that found repeated misconduct in Professor Negy’s classroom, including imposing his views about religion, sex and race,” the university said. “However, we are obligated to follow the arbitrator’s ruling.”
Negy, who has written a book titled “White Shaming: Bullying Based on Prejudice, Virtue-Signaling, and Ignorance,” remains confident and told Fox 35 News that he wants to go back.
“I want to make a stand for free speech, academic freedom,” Negy said. “They fired a tenured professor… me. They cut me off from my income right away which they cannot do, unless there is some justified reason.”
“The purpose of a university is not to make people feel comfortable,” he said. “This is not a church. This is not a social gathering. The purpose of a university is to make you uncomfortable and make you to think about things.”
Negy, who plans to start teaching again next semester, also plans to sue UCF, according to Fox 35.
