State Flag Support Group Wants Assistant Professor Fired for FB Comments

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

University of Mississippi sociology assistant professor J.T. Thomas is under fire after suggesting people interrupt senators’ meals and take their appetizers away.

On Oct. 6, Thomas posted a comment on his FB page in response to the Brett Kavanaugh Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and his disappointment in the Senators.

A Facebook group, Our State Flag Foundation, started calling for Thomas to be fired “over this outrageous illegal call for harassment.”

On Monday, Chancellor Jeff Vitter apparently responded to the Facebook war with his own post, claiming that a “recent social media post by a UM faculty member did not reflect the values articulated by the university, such as respect for the dignity of each individual and civility and fairness.”

Vitter said that while he supports free speech, he condemns statements that encourage acts of aggression.

“I urge all members of the Ole Miss community to demonstrate civility and respect for others and to honor the ideal of diversity of thought that is a foundational element of the academy.”

Thomas told Hottytoddy.com Monday that he too supports the Chancellor’s right to free speech.

“And to express himself through social media,” Thomas said. “The free exchange of ideas is a hallmark of higher education.”

No statement has been made by the university as to whether Thomas will be facing any disciplinary actions by the university.