A UCF professor tweeted about ‘black privilege.’ Then #UCFfirehim started trending
A Twitter hashtag, #UCFfirehim, trended Wednesday night and into Thursday after UCF professor Charles Negy posted a series of tweets.
One tweet claimed black privilege exists, which sparked outrage among Twitter users and a Change.org petition that called for an investigation into Negy among other items.
“This article is spot on (will infuriate folks). Black privilege is real: Besides affirm. action, special scholarships and other set asides, being shielded from legitimate criticism is a privilege. But as a group, they’re missing out on much needed feedback,” Negy wrote in a tweet Wednesday.
Other tweets, and reactions, included:
Negy, who is an associate professor in UCF’s psychology department, or UCF did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
UCF, which did not initially respond for a comment, contacted the Herald after a story was published on the issue and referred to a statement on the school’s official Twitter account.
“Being actively anti-racist means calling out and confronting racist comments,” the university posted to Twitter. “We are aware of Charles Negy’s recent personal Twitter posts, which are completely counter to UCF’s values. We are reviewing this matter further while being mindful of the First Amendment.”
Following a town hall meeting with students about COVID-19 on Thursday, UCF president Alexander N. Cartwright, interim provost Michael Johnson and vice president of student development and enrollment services Maribeth Ehasz delivered statements regarding Negy’s tweets.
UCF shared those statements with the Herald.
Cartwright said:
“While our original purpose for gathering today was to discuss the university’s response to the pandemic, we know so many of you are hurting right now. We are acutely aware of the offensive and hurtful Twitter posts that professor Charles Negy has shared on his personal page. And I want to thank those of you have brought them to our attention – using your voices to speak out. We need to hear from our community.”
“These posts do not reflect the values of UCF, and I strongly condemn these racist and abhorrent posts. I understand the anger it has caused many of our students, staff and faculty. I promise you this is a matter that has our full attention, and we have launched an inquiry to quickly – but fully – evaluate this situation.”
“As an institution and as individuals, we must confront racism and other hateful ideologies as part of living up to our core values of inclusion and diversity. While we must acknowledge and support the right to free speech, our faculty cannot and must not allow that speech to translate into discrimination in the classroom or on campus.”
“If we find evidence of this behavior, we will take action. That’s why it is so important for us to continue to hear from anyone with personal experiences of discrimination on campus. We are committed to engaging in tough conversations about how we can improve, starting with tomorrow’s virtual conversation about race.”
“Let me reiterate, we want to hear your opinions and your stories and learn from your experiences, including how UCF must do better. I want to reassure you that Black Lives Matter.”
Johnson said:
“I join those of you who have expressed your disgust at Professor Negy’s tweets as racist and hurtful. Black Lives Matter. It is shameful to add to the anguish that so many feel today. In addition to constitutional rights, the principle of academic freedom protects the right of faculty members to hold and teach unpopular views. But that does not make what Dr. Negy said on Twitter any less vile.”
“The classroom must be a level playing field for all students. No one should fear that they will be treated differently than their classmates because of an instructor’s biases. All faculty must recognize their responsibility to treat students with respect and consideration.”
“If any students, current or former, have experienced racist, intolerant or demeaning behavior in any faculty member’s classroom, we want to know about it so that we may investigate and deal with it. One of my saddest experiences is when we learn of misconduct that has been going on for a long time without being reported.“
“Please, please report misbehavior to UCF’s Integrity Line. You can report anonymously if you prefer. Go online to www.ucfintegrityline.com or (855) 877-6049. We need to hear your voice. UCF must be a community that welcomes everyone. Please, help us get there.”
Ehasz said:
“Professor Negy’s comments are coming at a time when there already is so much rightful anguish and anger over the senseless murder of George Floyd and others who have suffered while in police custody. I want to assert that Black Lives Matter.”
“I condemn Professor Negy’s comments, and I want all of our students to know that we are here to help you for any reason that you may have. We want to support you. Please reach out to Student Care Services at caremanager@ucf.edu or 407-823-5607. We also have counseling services available to students 24/7 by calling 407-823-2811.“
This is not the first time Negy has garnered attention for his views. In 2012, he went viral for an email he sent to his cross-cultural psychology students regarding religious bigotry, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
In addition to asking for Negy to be investigated, the Change.org petition, which has 41 signees as of Thursday morning, also seeks UCF to create a diversity and equity plan, the reinstatement of senior black staff that were terminated and a more diverse faculty and staff.
Outrage over Negy’s tweets comes during a time of protesting throughout the country following the death of George Floyd while he was restrained by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin that was captured on video.
This story was updated to reflect statements from UCF.
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 10:02 AM.
