The former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Joe Gow, is facing potential removal from his position as a faculty member following his firing from the chancellor role due to his involvement in a porn career. Interim Chancellor Betsy Morgan has filed three charges against Gow, accusing him of unethical conduct, failing to cooperate with an investigation, and using university computers to produce pornographic materials. Gow has denied the allegations and has requested a hearing before a faculty committee to defend his position.
Gow and his wife, former UW-La Crosse professor Carmen Wilson, were producing and starring in pornographic videos, as well as writing pornographic e-books under pseudonyms, which led to Gow being fired from his chancellor position. Despite plans to retire as chancellor and transition into a teaching role, his tenure is now under review. Gow maintains that the materials were produced on his own time and did not involve the university in any way. He believes that the regents violated his free speech rights when they fired him and is eager to clear his name in the upcoming faculty committee hearing.
The regents have hired a new chancellor to succeed Gow, and the faculty committee’s recommendation will determine whether Gow can keep his position as a tenured communications professor. Despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in the porn industry, Gow has received support from students who believe in his character and are looking forward to taking his courses. He feels unjustly treated and is eager to prove his innocence, questioning how the administration will be able to prove that he has done anything wrong.
Spokespeople from UW-La Crosse and the UW system have not provided comments on the current situation, and details of the charges filed against Gow are still unclear. The faculty committee hearing has not been scheduled yet, but Gow is prepared to defend himself and hopes to retain his position as a faculty member. The decision on whether Gow can continue as a faculty member will ultimately rest with the Board of Regents, the governing body of the UW system.
Gow’s case has raised questions about free speech rights and personal activities outside of work impacting one’s professional standing. The controversy surrounding his involvement in the porn industry has brought attention to the intersection of personal and professional lives in the academic world. As the situation continues to unfold, Gow remains steadfast in his defense and determination to clear his name of the allegations brought against him. Students and supporters alike will be watching closely as the faculty committee hearing approaches and the final decision on his tenure as a faculty member is made.
