Who is Joe Gow and what did he do?

Unveiling the Controversy: Joe Gow’s Firing and the Intersection of Free Speech

The academic community was thrust into a maelstrom of controversy when Joe Gow, the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, was fired for his involvement in explicit adult content alongside his wife, Carmen Wilson.

Joe Gow

Joe Gow served as the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a position he held since 2007, making him the institution’s longest-tenured leader.

The Scandal Unfolds

The scandal erupted when it was revealed that Gow and his wife, Carmen Wilson, had been producing and appearing in pornographic videos.

The explicit content led to a unanimous decision by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents to fire Gow, citing “specific conduct by Dr. Gow that has subjected the university to significant reputational harm.”

Gow’s Stance on Free Speech

Joe Gow staunchly defended his actions, asserting that his firing violated his right to free speech. He expressed dismay over the decision and argued that his involvement in the adult film industry should be protected under free speech provisions.

Tenured Faculty Member Despite Termination

Despite being terminated as the chancellor, Joe Gow retains his status as a tenured faculty member. However, he is placed on administrative leave, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the university’s response to the controversy.

The decision to retain his tenured status while enforcing administrative leave underlines the nuanced nature of the case.

The Ongoing Debate

The firing of Joe Gow has ignited a broader conversation about the balance between free speech rights and professional conduct within the academic sphere.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Board of Regents faces scrutiny for their decision, with supporters of Gow arguing that personal activities should not infringe upon free expression.