Professor Takes Leave of Absence After Comparing Black Lives Matter To the KKK

Douglas Muir, an adjunct professor and executive lecturer at the University of Virginia’s engineering school, has taken a leave of absence after coming under fire for stating the Black Lives Matter was as racist as the Ku Klux Klan.

Last week, in response to a Facebook post mentioning a speaking appearance by BLM’s Alicia Garza, Muir made the following (since deleted) comment:

Yes, Muir misspelled “racist organization” and “the Klan.”

The school’s paper, The Cavalier Daily, first mentioned Muir’s comment on October 6th. Since then, according to the Daily Mail, the school has sought to distance itself from Muir.

‘A recent comment regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, posted on social media by Doug Muir, a lecturer in our school, has raised serious concerns about UVA Engineering’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and support of populations that are traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,’ UVA’s Engineering School said in a statement.

‘While free speech and open discussion are fundamental principles of our nation and the University, Mr. Muir’s comment was entirely inappropriate. UVA Engineering does not condone actions that undermine our values, dedication to diversity and educational mission.’

‘Our faculty and staff are responsible for upholding our values and demonstrating them to students and the community. Mr Muir has agreed to take leave and is preparing his own statement to the community.’

Muir also owns a restaurant near the university. Charlottesville Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy has called for a boycott of the establishment in wake of Muir’s comments.

[image via Shutterstock]

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Follow Justin Baragona on Twitter: @justinbaragona

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