Northwestern psychology Prof. John Michael Bailey issued a statement Saturday morning apologizing for the fallout from a optional, after-class sex toy demonstration in his Human Sexuality class last week.
Although Bailey, a popular 21-year professor, said he would never allow something like the demonstration to occur in his class ever again, he stood by the educational value of the event and noted his shock that the incident has gotten so much attention.
Media outlets from across the country and world have picked up the story.
"I regret the effect this has had on Northwestern University's reputation and I regret upsetting so many people in this particular manner," Bailey said.
University President Morton Schapiro has said Bailey showed "extremely poor judgment" in allowing the demonstration. The administration is investigating what took place during the Feb. 21 optional, after-class presentation.
In his statement, Bailey said he hopes to work with Schapiro to host a discussion about the incident on campus sometime in the future.
More than 800 NU students have signed an online petition asking that Bailey not be severely punished for the incident.
The full text of Bailey's apology is below:
I regret allowing the controversial after class demonstration on February 21st. I regret the effect that this has had on Northwestern University's reputation, and I regret upsetting so many people in this particular manner. I apologize. As I have noted elsewhere, the demonstration was unplanned and occurred because I made a quick decision to allow it. I should not have done so. In the 18 years I have taught the course, nothing like the demonstration at issue has occurred, and I will allow nothing like it to happen again.
To admit that I did not anticipate the degree of reaction my decision provoked does not even begin to convey my surprise. During a time of financial crisis, war, and global warming, this story has been a top news story for more than two days. That this is so reveals a stark difference of opinion between people like me, who see absolutely no harm in what happened, and those who believe that it was profoundly wrong.
I have already stated my case as clearly as I could (see:http://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/JMichael-‐Bailey/articles/Baileystatement.pdf): The demonstration was relevant to a topic relevant to my course, it occurred after class in a completely voluntary setting with ample information about what would occur. It involved an act that although unusual, had no harmful effect on anyone. Observers were Northwestern students legally capable of voting, enlisting in the military, and consuming pornography, as well as making many other serious decisions that legal adults are allowed to make.
Those who believe that there was, in fact, a serious problem have had considerable opportunity to explain why: in the numerous media stories on the controversy, or in their various correspondences with me. But they have failed to do so. Saying that the demonstration "crossed the line," "went too far," "was inappropriate," or "was troubling" convey disapproval but do not illuminate reasoning. If I were grading the arguments I have seen against what occurred, most would earn an "F." Offense and anger are not arguments. But I remain open to hearing and reading good arguments.
Although as I have noted, I regret allowing the demonstration, as an educator I do not think we should waste the opportunity the controversy has raised. There are real, important issues here, including optimal limits on academic freedom, the effect of sexual attitudes on education, and sexual rights and responsibilities, among others. A great university, such as Northwestern University, should be a place where people are not only free, but encouraged, to debate our most contentious issues. These include, apparently, the issues raised by the February 21st demonstration.
I am working with undergraduate students to arrange an event that includes high-‐level discussion and debate about the February 21st demonstration and the issues it has raised. I invite President Schapiro to work with us to help ensure that this event is as intellectually valuable as it should be.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation and admiration to the many students, colleagues, and parents who have written me in support. They, also, are part of the Northwestern community, along with some of those whom I have offended.
J. Michael Bailey
Professor
Evanston, IL
3/5/11
Check back for more information throughout the day.
This was first sent as a breaking news alert. To be the first to know about what's happening on campus and in Evanston, sign up for breaking news alerts here.
If I were at work, say, and Bailey came up to me and said, hey you want to go to this club and watch blah......I would consider this guy a creep. If he went on to say that he's spent his whole life researching this stuff, writing books on it, etc.......... then I would think he was more of a creep (but, a creep hiding behind an academic front). If he went on to say, that not only does he research this stuff, but he introduces it to 600 young men and women a year.........then, I think, I would consider him more than just a creep. I would consider him evil..
SIGN UP TODAY!Ugh. No wonder we're being made into a laughing stock.
I heard Norris Bookstore will be marketing a purple commemorative version of the apparatus used complete with the NU logo and the motto "Quaecumque Sunt Vera..."