A tenured professor at the University of Montana announced through his attorney that he has resigned amid an investigation into his blog. This comes after a student newspaper reported the blog shared homophobic and misogynistic views.
Rob Smith’s statement, which was shared on Twitter, said the university previously told him his blog, which he says expresses his religious beliefs, was protected under the First Amendment. He says he’s sparing his family from an investigation that he says is “not being handled with the objective due process.”
I am honored that UM Professor Rob Smith has been my client for the past week. Rob has authorized me to release the attached statement. #mtpol #mtnews pic.twitter.com/sJDWhIZxB0
— Matthew Monforton (@MGMonforton) October 22, 2021
UM spokesperson Dave Kuntz confirmed that Smith resigned and is no longer a part of the faculty. Knutz did not provide an update on the status of the university’s investigation into the blog.
The Montana Kaimin reported earlier this month that Smith authored a blog expressing misogynistic, Islamophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ ideas.
Shortly after, UM President Seth Bodnar tweeted he was disgusted by the views expressed by Smith. He directed the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX to investigate the blog.
Smith had voluntarily taken paid leave while the office completed its investigation.
