(The Lion) — In a shocking video released on X Wednesday, a University of Kansas teacher advocates shooting men who refuse to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris as president.
“There are going to be some males in our society that will refuse to vote for a potential female president because they don’t think females are smart enough to be president,” said the professor, identified by multiple sources as Dr. Phillip W. Lowcock, director of international student-athlete support (WTN) for Kansas Athletics and health sport & exercise science lecturer.
“We could line all those guys up and shoot them. They clearly don’t understand the way the world works.”
He then added hastily, apparently aware the video camera was recording the lecture, “Did I say that? Scratch that from the recording. I don’t want the deans hearing that.”
After the video went viral, a KU spokesperson confirmed the incident, while not naming the professor.
“We are aware of the video, which was recorded during a class earlier this semester,” reads a statement from Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, KU director for News and Media Relations.
“The instructor is being placed on administrative leave, pending further investigation. The instructor offers his sincerest apologies and deeply regrets the situation. His intent was to emphasize his advocacy for women’s rights and equality, and he recognizes he did a very poor job of doing so.
“The university has an established process for situations like this and will follow that process.”
It’s unlikely the apology will quell the Category 5 outrage, however – especially in light of incendiary political rhetoric from the left that many already blame for two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.
“Sadly, the mealy-mouthed approach to disciplining him probably means he will be back at his job in no time,” one commenter told The Lion.
Condemnation of the professor and his remark were swift and sure on X.
“Oh my God. How is this even possible? How can imbeciles like this be allowed to teach? Fire this idiot for the love of God,” said one post under the video.
“A professor calling for men not voting for Harris to be shot? WTF!!,” wrote another. “This is a call to violence and this professor needs to be fired and investigated for election interference.”
“And the kids can’t say anything back because a guy like this would absolutely hold it against them,” another wrote. “These universities can say they’re for expressive dialogue, but they’re not. They’re for one ideology and zero dissenting opinions.”
“My daughter will no longer be applying. And that’s her choice after seeing this,” wrote one parent.
“This is unhinged, but sadly, not shocking,” writes Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA.
“As of right now, the Turning Point USA chapter at the University of Kansas has worked to find the professor who made these claims about ‘lining up and shooting’ male voters who do not elect Kamala Harris into office,” regional TPUSA College Plains Field Representative Makaylee Hawkins wrote in a statement to The Lion.
“Members of the TPUSA chapter reached out via email to the University, informing them of the incident and providing confirmation from students from the class where the incident occurred. Resources suggest that Professor Lowcock cancelled class this morning and the appropriate channels at the University have been informed of the behavior. We are not yet aware of any actions taken by the school.”
Lowcock’s remarks would appear to be a violation of the university’s workplace violence rules, which state:
“Personal harassment, abusive behavior, and violence are not tolerated. Any person who makes threats, exhibits threatening behavior or engages in violent acts on University-owned or leased property may be removed from the premises pending the outcome of an investigation.”
In addition, KU employees and students are responsible for reporting to the university any threats made by individuals “they have witnessed, received or have been informed of by third parties.”
Consequences for violating the policy range from internal disciplinary action to arrest, prosecution and a ban from university-owned or leased premises.