Syracuse University Expels Student Over Facebook Comments
Like FIRE on Facebook: / thefireorg
Follow FIRE on Twitter: / thefireorg
Subscribe to our email list: thefire.org/takeaction/subscribe/
"I was expelled from Syracuse University for comments that I posted on Facebook."
Syracuse University School of Education graduate student Matthew Werenczak was just trying to finish his masters degree early when he decided to take a summer course that involved tutoring at a local middle school. But after a comment he posted on Facebook about an experience he had at the school caught the attention of the Syracuse administration, Werenczak would be lucky if he graduated at all.
On the first day of Werenczak's tutoring program at Danforth Middle School, he and another Syracuse student were introduced to their students by a member of the Concerned Citizens Action Program (CCAP). They happened to be the only two white people in the room. Shortly after the introduction, in the presence of Werenczak and the other white student teacher, the CCAP member, who is black, said that he thought that the city schools should hire more teachers from historically black colleges.
"This [comment] offended me, as well as the other student teacher in the room," says Werenczak in FIRE's latest video. "It just seemed inappropriate considering that the two student teachers happened to be from Syracuse and a not a historically black college."
So Werenczak took to Facebook to write about the incident.
"Just making sure we're okay with racism," wrote Werenczak. "It's not enough I'm ... tutoring in the worst school in the city, I suppose I oughta be black or stay in my own side of town."
"I was kind of trying to see if my friends or other peers, classmates would have a similar reaction to what I had," says Werenczak about the reason for his posting the comment.
One reaction Werenczak didn't see coming was an expulsion from the School of Education for the Facebook comments, which the school described as "unprofessional, offensive, and insensitive." The school told Werenczak he could avoid expulsion by voluntarily withdrawing, or he could fulfill several requirements in order to gain a chance of "re-admittance."
When Werenczak fulfilled the requirements and was still not readmitted to the school, he contacted FIRE for help.
"Hours after FIRE took the case public, Syracuse University backed down and I was brought back [into the program] and later graduated."
For a transcript of this video, please visit: thefire.org/article/15780.html
For more details on this case, please visit: thefire.org/case/887.html
Subscribe to FIRE's KZread channel to receive automatic notifications when new material is posted.
Produced by Ted Balaker. Edited by Matt Edwards. Music: "Tape Arp Cutter" & "Gold and Honey" by Daniel Knowler; "Blues" by Dobroide
Пікірлер: 142
"You are entitled to an opinion, as long as it's ours."
@dawlben2247
Жыл бұрын
Nice to meet you Mr. Orwell
I don't get this. The intolerant comment was made by the tactless person who said in front of two white student teachers that they needed more student teachers from traditionally black colleges. Why wasn't that person called on the carpet?
@sigh.enough.2987
7 жыл бұрын
Was that a rhetorical question? Campus administrations have been politically correct for decades, and the establishment of double standards has been a cornerstone of political correctness for all of that time. The PC crowd believes in compensatory injustice, not in fairness for individual people.
@tellurye
4 жыл бұрын
Um, hi honey. Are you like 13 yrs old? Where the hell have you been? You act like this is rare. This happens ALL the time. Whites cannot say ANYTHING or even so much as ask a question, or they are labeled "racist" "bigoted" etc. We had a black guy at work threaten people. NOTHING was done to him - we were all told to "get along with him" Can you imagine, if I threatened him?!?! Not only would I be fired, Id be charged with a hate crime. Stop being a sheep. Stop listening to your teachers, parents and friends and think for yourself.
We need thicker skins, having our feelings hurt is a consequence of differing viewpoints and ideas. He should have been given specific reasons for this action, and specific reasons why he violated the law, and I emphasis the law.
It's extremely unfair to be expelled for something so minor (that was done in his personal time). Even the "slap on the wrist" he was expecting would have been excessive. Glad he was able to recover from that, but it makes you wonder how many people are less fortunate when battling ludicrous accusations.
I'm sure everyone standing in judgement when these sorts of things happen, would be OK with having every internet comment they've ever posted examined.
Sounds like Stazi techniques.
Wow. Welcome to the new McCarthyism.
Schools should not be able to discipline students for off campus behavior (except for serious crimes).
You are entitled to an opinion, as long as it's ours. I never realized how totalitarian colleges have become. They basically have you by the you know what's, and they know it. If you say anything, regardless how innocuous it may be, that they consider racist, sexist or otherwise insensitive, you are done. George Orwell, you were right.
@andrewthecelt3794
9 жыл бұрын
peace2014 SocJus (Social Justice Warriors) sounds a lot like IngSoc doesn't it? Ignorance is strength
@awesome5343
8 жыл бұрын
"You are entitled to an opinion, as long as it's ours."
Weird situation! I hope it works out good for u...
And that's why I don't have a Facebook account.
I thought he was gonna say some racial slurs after Salah put 3 past United
How long was he expelled for?
Bravo! Well done. Hope you enjoy many years as a teacher.
@stevendriver7791
10 ай бұрын
I can confirm, he is a fire 🔥 teacher. Had him for AP euro
@bruhhhh8081
9 ай бұрын
@@stevendriver7791nah bro I failed three of his tests due to my Liverpool allegiance (this is not true)
Diversity & sensitivity training is the progressive equivalent of conversion therapy
absolutely eggregious, way to defend yourself and kudos to FIRE for their great work
how long was he expelled for?
Thank God for FIRE!
Apparently, he never read the gulag archipelago.
How long was he expelled from that university for?
One thing I find sad is that the guy seems to feel embarrassed by his Facebook comment. He did nothing wrong at all whatsoever. I would have been much more vigilant. It shows how conformist these PC thugs are.
Got any idea who Voltaire was? Got any idea why I ask that question?
????? Why wasn't the requirements for the tutoring job listed on the application or website? What does your nationality or the college you attend has to do with your ability to work for them?
Needs to be reeducated, maybe they have a camp.
"We feel you're intolerant," said the intolerant administrator.
well said, my friend, Tragic.
They put out a hook with bait on it, & he chomped down on it.
Why are you being punished without having done anything wrong? Because the people in charge have power without authority or accountability.
Fantastic.
We live in dangerous times.
Fire are heroes!!!
I dropped out of school cuz they had womens studies.. and I asked to start a program called mens studies, they got upset and said that's just called history....
4:04 Oops. Bent the knee and they sh** on him anyway. Who would have seen that coming?
Good for you standing up for what is right and just!
"Addressing the issue objectively" comes to this: There is no longer practical freedom of opinion in these United States. This young man did the right thing -- indeed, the ONLY thing. We need more people fearless enough to challenge the forces of political and intellectual conformity.
FIRE !!!!!
"Discover his reasoning?" So no one should be offended when a person goes out of his way to act like a complete jerk? No thanks.
I wonder what kind of punishment was handed down to the person who said the 'more HBCU' students comment? That was pretty much a rude comment to make in front of the 2 SU student teachers
I will be attending Syracuse next year. I'm a solid conservative. And I know that it's a really lefty place. But I like the school and the programs and will surround myself with people that actually know what the right way is. Not worried about it but this stuff makes me furious.
@DRourk
5 жыл бұрын
How did your SU adventure turn out?
This my eastern civ teacher🤣🤣
@Waywer319
4 жыл бұрын
Deadass mine too😂
@knewtknight1890
4 жыл бұрын
White washed HISTORY....sad
Sometimes they eat their own - Larry Summers, for instance.
FIRE sounds like a badass institution
Oh, he did the right thing by resisting Syracuse, although he probably should have gone to FIRE right away rather than complying with their re-education program. But I'm talking about his reaction to the black guy's comments. He did the same thing that Syracuse did - reacted emotionally by being "offended." His widdle feelings were hurt. He even makes a point of it that he didn't address the black guy directly. I think our hero has absorbed the values that create a Syracuse administration.
I was in the same program at Binghamton University. They "changed programs" on me, for no apparent reason. The only explanation I got was that I was "unprofessional" without further explanation. Good grades, no reported issues. Im pretty sure mine was because they viewed me as too conservative (which Im pretty liberal) Contacted fire about it-- they seemed pretty luke warm about pursuing my issue, glad they are pursuing this one. MAT programs seem to feel they are above rules.
@wayner9452
3 жыл бұрын
I just looked at your profile picture. It's clear you are "unprofessional." 🤣😂
@MikeSaltzman
3 жыл бұрын
@@wayner9452 this was written 7 years ago. In retrospect, they did me a huge favor, as im very happy outside academia, meanwhile most of my friends within it seem miserable.
I think when he said worst school he was being literal in terms of lowest rating or highest crime rate, something like that. I agree the way he presented it talking didn't seem like the whole truth, especially after reading the comments. Still don't think it should have had any impact on his schooling or employment. He didn't make any racist remarks really, what he said about being black was a direct retort to the alleged comment he overheard.
Firstly, truth and respect are not necessarily conflicting ideas Secondly, what truth? Your version of the truth?
this is a shortened video of a 1+ hour long interview: watch?v=zeMZGGQ0ERk
Trawling people's Twitter or Facebook for material to use against them is the lowest form of journalism, and should be considered low-level cyber-stalking... The fact that employers and the gov't think this is cool... is not cool. Remind them every chance you get... And if you ever become them... don't you f'ing dare!
After so many years where emphasis on race contributed to horrible discrimination, abuse, prejudice, and even murder, the fact some minorites are emphasising race and racial differences is simply bizarre to me. We should be seeing each other as people, not as black people, white people, etc. Until we can do that, racism will continue to be an issue. We don't need more teachers from historically black colleges, we need more teachers with a passion for education and real knowledge of their subject, teachers who are enthusiastic and well trained in their jobs. Skin colour is irrelevant.
@jason aguirre how is it not public media, are you arguing against the media or the public part, because youtube openly invites the public to post here, thereby making it public and media, well it's electronic dissemination of information, which by definition is the purpose of media
Sue the living hell out of the university and selected staff for violating your Constitutional right to free speech. Sue them good and hard.
WHAT !!!! SYRACUSE DOESN'T ALLOW FREE SPEECH, PUBLIC SCHOOL, RIGHT. BAD, BAD, SYRACUSE AND IT'S NOT EVEN THEIR BUSINESS WHAT'S SAID, OR WHERE.
Mr.w it's amy
Don't feed the trolls.
They're judging him and they're guilty of the same thing!Lovers of self more than lovers of God.Boastful,irreconcilable,unholy,unthankful,disobedient to parents,unjust.....
I think this might be slightly one sided in its portrayal. It's no problem to criticize things you find wrong or coworker misconduct, but to go on a public forum and say that the school you are expected to tutor is "the worst school" reflects poorly on your university. If I were an admin at your school, I would not want our grad students, the face of our university, out trash talking the institutions that place their trust in us. This isn't a race issue in my eyes.
I was about to post a racist comment, but I have already 1 youtube strike so... no freedom of speech for me.
Syracuse expelled him for that? Man had some racist shit said to him. And he gets expelled for talking about it? They accuse him of being racist for calling out racism on Facebook?
dont worry he made it he was my history teacher last year
THANK GOD FOR F.I.R.E.!!! Donate to support their efforts to defend student rights against the tyranny of school bureaucrats!
Yeah, I always tell them to clearly define what I did that was so offensive and to whom. Most scrotbags back off then, because they can't. The few that don't get shut down hard and never bother the rest of ya'll normal people again. I just wish these guys had run across me before they messed with him.
Political correctness is never about making the world a better place or even simple decency. It's about controlling and intimidating others. Speech codes and increasing vague "isms" and "phobias" are intended to create thought codes and to silence dissent at the risk of being branded. Hence individuals who enforce speech codes are interested only in exercising power, not in right or wrong. They are soulless and unprincipled. People just need to stand up to their fascist tactics.
I don't care about the guy's color or POV. Increasing a majority black school's efforts to hire teachers from HB colleges might be a good idea, or it might not. But reacting to such a proposal by talking about how it "offends" someone is just baloney. It adopts the premises used by those whom you so aptly characterize as "thugs".
harmon1103 - what on earth are you talking about? The guy had an opinion, the higher-ups at the college didn't like his opinion, and he was expelled for it. Period. Now if you're for that, then just have the cojones to admit that you think the first amendment should take a back seat to someone's feelings. Your "our hero" comment says way more about you than it does the guy in the video.
}}} With that said, it looks like his comment was more that he was offended because the Blacks were not more grateful Bovine excreta. WHERE did this even VAGUELY get implied? All HE cared about was teaching. Someone else brought RACIST SENTIMENTS into the equation.
I love FIRE! You guys are awesome. Makes me have hope that political correctness will not get away with destroying society after all!
This guy is part of the problem. This black member made a comment that he thought that more city teacher hires should be from historically black colleges. So our hero gets "offended" and seems to have overreacted in his Facebook posting. Now, this doesn't mean that Syracuse was right to attempt to shut him up. But basically, he & Syracuse are on the same page - emotional/political reaction, rather than addressing the issue objectively. Maybe the black guy was right.
This is why I studied (and failed) math and physics. It would not have been fun fighting over every last word. According to the extreme anti-white dogma of social science today, most of my views about evolution, the races, and alien "cultures" are racist/bigoted.
Google "Eight Days With Harry Truman" -- American Heritage: Truman was particularly irked by the “professional liberal,” whom he distinguished from “real liberals” like himself. Professional liberals lived by slogans and saw American politics as an ideological war, which Truman considered alien to the genius of the Democratic party. In his lifetime the party was a sort of political melting pot .... ...(continued)...
It is sad that things like this happens. This country has big problem. Freedom of speech yeah right. More I think about the government is created this masses problems like this.
I appreciate his enthusiasm for teaching, but the flip side of Liberal indoctrination is conservative self-righteousness. With that said, it looks like his comment was more that he was offended because the Blacks were not more grateful a White person was willing to teach in the worst school in the city (A Black school). I can understand the other person wanting more teachers of the same ethnicity to be positive role models to the students. He should have understood the larger issue as well.
This is the quintessential example of woke nonsense. No specific charge is leveled but conviction and punishment is certain, and the whole things falls apart when hit by the light of day. Good grief.
FIRE is an extremely valuable organization all higher-ed students should know about -- and this case proves that fearless publicity is the best defense against being railroaded as this young man nearly was.
Do you really lack the intellectual capacity to understand the point? It's not that the black guy was right or wrong, but that the way to deal with the issue is NOT to go around being "offended" and complaining about your feelings, but rather, to discover his reasoning and oppose it with your own. As for your childish accusation that I'm a racist, you don't have any idea what you are talking about. You have a future in Syracuse U administration.
Work on your reading comprehension skills. "Maybe" has a meaning. The black guy's position should have been engaged. Perhaps he had a rational basis for his position. You don't know, & neither does anyone else. Instead, our hero gets "offended" by the black guy's comment, which is the standard leftist method of dodging the issue by emotionalizing it. I've supported FIRE with real money - at this point into four figures - for years. Have you? Put your money where your mouth is.
"His widdle feelings were hurt" What? He was expelled! It had nothing to do with his feelings! His career was in jeopardy. The two don't compare with each other even remotely. Get a grip.
While I don't agree with what the other teacher(?) said You don't think it's because he called it "the worst school in the city?" Come on. He mumbled over that whole part. I wouldn't want him there either. I usually agree with FIRE but this sounds a bit like you're glossing over what he really said on order to make him look like a victim. In his case freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences.
@robokill387
9 жыл бұрын
that is nonsensical. if you think someone should face that kind of consequences for speaking his mind, especially something that mild, then you don't support free speech at all. you just don't. you could use the "doesn't mean freedom from consequences" argument to justify the silencing of any idea that's unpopular - contrary to popular belief, freedom of speech does not just apply to the government.
@Kaileighblue
9 жыл бұрын
Racial element aside, he insulted the school he was to work with. How do they not have the right to ask him to leave? I do agree that what they said was wrong and he was ok in discussing it. If it were just the first comment it would be different. Why does his right to say what he wants trump their right to tell him to go elsewhere? From what I can tell he wasn't kicked from the school. He was kicked from the teaching aide program for insulting his placement and making the school look bad. I don't know if their reaction was correct. I've known some people kicked from the aide program for less reasons, but I know that was he said is not appropriate for someone who has to be around those kids. If he already thinks it's the worst school he's not going to treat them well. They probably didn't have time to place him at a new school at that point anyway.
@MewCat100
9 жыл бұрын
Kaileighblue You miss the point. He PAID to go to school there. He employs THEM. He gets to tell them when their policies aren't in the best interest of their clients and that's what he did. They don't have a "right" to tell him to go elsewhere when he has PAID them for their services. They need to refund his money and hope to hell that he doesn't sue them. I, however, hope that he does sue.
@chamboyette853
8 жыл бұрын
+Kaileighblue I understand your point but it is still very offensive and I can see where it is difficult to respond diplomatically.
"Just making sure we're okay with racism," wrote Werenczak. "It's not enough I'm ... tutoring in the worst school in the city, I suppose I oughta be black or stay in my own side of town." ...yeah that's pretty racist...
@Force1Com
6 жыл бұрын
or you just judge things without having all of the facts... maybe he was saying that he might be loosing his job soon, just because he's white?
@Force1Com
6 жыл бұрын
Who's the racist now?
Congratulations, you just placed reputation above truth. You don't even deserve to speak on the matter, let alone be admin of something.
He's a better man than I am, I would have said "Well, we would have more black teachers if they stayed in school, didnt get pregnant at 13, or commit crime and end up in prison." ROFL. I mean, Im gonna get fired anyway, might as well go out telling "da troof"
This guys comments weren't racist. Just ignorant. There needs to be more black teachers in prodominately black schools. That's a fact.
@john197039
8 жыл бұрын
+Amber O So, you must also think there should be mostly White teachers in mostly White schools? Students do not learn more from a teacher because of skin color.
@cynthia2901
8 жыл бұрын
+john197039 It's a matter of representation, predominantly white school are already taught by predominantly white staff.
@john197039
8 жыл бұрын
cynthia2901 If students did learn less from people with different skin color then you would obviously be fine with mostly White schools purposely not hiring Black teachers, since the children won't learn as well from them.