Statement from Purdue legal counsel

The following is a statement from Steve Schultz, Purdue legal counsel, on the recent controversy related to an online post by a part-time Purdue staff member:

“As we’ve already indicated, a threat of rape is outside the bounds of any definition of protected speech. And if it appeared that Mr. Newman had any such intention, he would have been terminated immediately. But the police investigation tells us that there was, and is, no real threat to the campus community.  That finding does not foreclose the possibility of other employment-related actions based on Purdue’s internal complaint processes.

"The disruption we’ve endured as a community is entirely due to Mr. Newman’s online posts.  Anything other than a full apology and explanation from him about the intent of his statement will be insufficient to cure the harm he’s done.

"It’s fortunate for Mr. Newman that he works at a public university both obligated under the First Amendment and committed by principle to protect free speech -- even speech as abhorrent as his.  Had he uttered such an outrageous and vulgar statement while working for a private college or other private employer, he would almost certainly have been fired on the spot.  Mr. Newman’s obnoxious rhetoric is an embarrassment for Purdue, but our special obligations as a public institution impose a much higher threshold before condemnation can be extended to punishment.”