Controversy over porn videos: UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow's few regrets

Joe Gow regrets self-censoring his adult film hobby, but still plans to return to teaching after being fired as chancellor.

Joe Gow, the former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, recently expressed his regret about the self-censorship of his personal life, which ultimately led to the end of his 17-year career. He had been apprehensive about revealing his secret, fearing that it would affect his standing in the higher education community. Despite the university's professed commitment to free speech, Gow decided to test the waters, as he felt that it was an appropriate time to address these issues. He and his wife came to the conclusion that they should be more open about their personal life.

In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Gow expressed his surprise at the news of his termination. He had hoped that the university's board, known for its staunch support of free speech, would be more understanding. However, university leaders used strong language to denounce his actions, and a full investigation is set to be conducted by a law firm.

Gow emphasized that his actions were protected by the First Amendment, as they were a form of consensual adult expression. The topic of free speech is particularly significant given the Republican-controlled Legislature's influence on the UW System. The university's commitment to freedom of expression has been evident through annual reports, surveys, and free speech events.

Gow's previous experience with inviting an adult film actress to speak on campus led to a formal reprimand and denied pay raise, which influenced his approach to the current situation. He believes that there are discrepancies between the board's professed support for free speech and their actions, and he called for a public hearing to address these issues.

Despite the controversy, Gow still plans to return to the classroom, although his tenured faculty position is under review. When asked about the impact of his private life on his 17-year legacy, Gow emphasized the importance of promoting free speech and the pursuit of truth in academia. He remains undeterred about the future, stating that he is open to new possibilities at the age of 63.