Business professor and dean of the Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) Global Campus Paul Ewell has suffered a backlash after posting comments on Facebook harshly critical of Biden supporters.
In a private Facebook post made public through screenshots obtained by The Virginian Pilot, Ewell called those who voted for the Democrat candidate “ignorant, anti-American and anti-Christian.” He accused Biden voters of corrupting “not only the election but the youth and the country.”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1327988661418340353
The dean also said he would unfriend anyone who called themselves a Democrat, as he would not want to “hang out” with them in real life or virtually.
University Response
On VWU’s official Facebook page, the school issued a disclaimer in response to his comments.
The university stated that it is “aware” of the situation but clarified that the opinions expressed by Ewell belong to him alone. The post continues, declaring that “Civic engagement and religious freedom are at the core of the University’s values, and we remain an inclusive and caring community that empowers meaningful relationships through listening, understanding, and communication.”
Strong Reactions
Many have complained, calling for the dismissal of Ewell, although some have defended his right to free speech.
However, according to critics, the dean’s position as an educator requires him to be impartial. An open letter on Facebook by Christopher Ross, a class of 1995 alumnus, questions how Ewell’s comments align with VWU’s policy of inclusivity.
Ross questioned how Ewell can “equitably educate” those Democratic students Ewell finds “so repugnant.” Ross also asked how the university can “mitigate the hostile classroom environment” that Ewell has now created.
Echoing many comments, Ross said that “if VWU is serious about its role and its reputation as an institution of higher learning,” university officials should replace Ewell with someone more in line with an “inclusive and caring community.”
