Rutgers University is facing significant criticism after a professor's comments regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The controversy began when Tracy Budd, a Writing Program Assistant Teaching Professor, posted on Facebook following the attempt on Trump's life, expressing a sentiment that appeared to support the violence. Budd's post stated, "Let’s hope today’s events inspire others" .
The assassination attempt occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot in the ear by Thomas Michael Crooks, a 20-year-old who was subsequently killed by police.
Rutgers prof after Trump assassination attempt: 'Let's hope today's events inspire others': EXCLUSIVEhttps://t.co/VmefE7u3dS
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The incident also resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to two others. The FBI found Crooks in possession of an AR-15 and explosive materials, indicating the potential for even greater violence .
In the wake of Budd's post, Rutgers University has remained silent, neither condemning nor supporting her remarks. This lack of response has sparked outrage among conservatives and alumni, with many calling for the university to take action. The absence of an official stance from Rutgers contrasts sharply with actions taken by other institutions facing similar situations.
After Trump Assassination Attempt, Rutgers Prof Wrote ‘Let’s Hope Today’s Events Inspire Others’: Vile. The post After Trump Assassination Attempt, Rutgers Prof Wrote ‘Let’s Hope Today’s Events Inspire Others’ first appeared on Le·gal… https://t.co/UNmPN30gze . #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/6FFU0GHN2a
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For instance, Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, quickly suspended English instructor John James after he posted on social media, "If you’re gonna shoot, man, don’t miss," in response to the assassination attempt. The post, which was widely shared and criticized, prompted the university to place James on unpaid leave, emphasizing that his comments were against the institution's values of respect and dignity.
Similarly, the University of British Columbia saw a professor deactivate her social media accounts after posting celebratory comments about the attempt on Trump's life. These incidents have highlighted a growing concern about the rhetoric used by educators and its impact on public discourse .
Rutgers University’s handling of this incident is under scrutiny, especially given the wider trend of universities addressing controversial statements made by their staff. Critics argue that by not addressing Budd's comments, Rutgers is implicitly endorsing violent rhetoric. This incident has also intensified discussions about free speech and the responsibilities of academic institutions in moderating the conduct of their faculty members.
The broader academic community is watching closely to see how Rutgers will ultimately respond to this controversy. The university's decision could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, balancing the fine line between protecting free speech and condemning hate speech.
