HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – Marshall University has suspended one of its faculty members after a video clip in which she says she wished Trump supporters would catch the COVID-19 virus and die before the election went viral on social media.
Professor Jennifer Mosher, of the school’s Biology department, was teaching a virtual class session Wednesday when she commented on supporters of President Donald Trump at an indoor political rally not wearing masks.
In the video, posted to Twitter by one of the students attending the session, Mosher stated “I’ve become the type of person where I hope they all get it and die. I’m sorry, but that’s so frustrating – just – I don’t know what else to do. You can’t argue with them, you can’t talk sense with them, uhm, I said to somebody yesterday I hope they all die before the election.
Once posted to Twitter, the comments went viral attracting intense criticism of both Mosher and the University with one person commenting “Unacceptable! Marshall must take appropriate action to discourage and extinguish this sort of behavior. She needs our prayers but also needs to be let go. A black eye for Marshall if nothing is done.”
Friday Marshall University released the following statement:
“Marshall University this morning announced it is aware of an overtly political statement made by a faculty member in a recent virtual classroom session and widely circulated on social media. The University does not support or condone the use of any of its educational platforms to elittle people or wish harm on those who hold differeing political views. The professor was removed from the classroom yesterday and is on administrative leave, pending an investigation. there will be no further comment on this personnel matter at this time.”
The comments quickly spread on social media—raising a lot of eyebrows.
“You know, that’s her opinion, but in the end I don’t think it should have been said especially on an online class in front of impressionable young men and women.”
Christian Eddy, freshman, Marshall University
“Well I guess I’m a little surprised that a faculty member would be that explicit about their own beliefs.”
Dan Holbrook, Professor of History, Marshall University
Students on Marshall’s campus told 13 News while they believe the professor has a right to her opinion, they disagreed with the expression of it in the classroom.
“Everybody’s got their own opinion. I don’t think that should’ve been said in a classroom, I don’t think that should’ve been said at all, but people have their opinions and they sometimes slip out.”
Aaron Hall, freshman, Marshall University
“Should she lose her job? No. But it’s hard to say what the proper appropriate repercussions should be.”
Gabrielle McNab, freshman, Marshall University
