Philosophy Professor Stephen Kershnar Faces Controversy Over Remarks on Ethics and Consent

Philosophy Professor, Stephen Kershnar of the State University of New York at Fredonia, has filed a lawsuit to regain his right to return to campus after being banned for more than a year. The controversy began when Kershnar made remarks during a podcast about the morality of an adult male having sex with a “willing” 12-year-old girl. Although he clarified that he believed it should be criminalized, his comments went viral after being shared by a right-wing social media account. The university president, Stephen H. Kolison Jr., described the remarks as “absolutely abhorrent” and reassigned Dr. Kershnar to duties that did not involve contact with students. The university also conducted an investigation and searched his office.
Dr. Kershnar’s lawsuit claims that the university has allowed public reactions to dictate who can teach at a public institution and that he has never been cited, charged, or arrested by any law enforcement agency regarding these comments. Free speech advocates support him, arguing that the university’s actions are an attack on academic freedom. However, SUNY Fredonia argues that the ban is necessary for both Dr. Kershnar’s safety and the safety of the campus, citing threats received and the outrage expressed by students and alumni. The university alleges that these incidents led to a decline in donations and enrollment. The case raises questions about how universities should handle online controversies and the role of academic freedom. A hearing for the case is set to begin on Wednesday in the Federal District Court for the Western District of New York.