MARS HILL, N.C. (ABP) — A longtime professor at Mars Hill College is leaving the Baptist-affiliated school after a student took off his clothes in class.
The professor called Mars Hill President Dan Lunsford on the evening of Feb. 12 to tell him about the incident that occurred in a sociology class. The professor was teaching about social norms and gave the example that in 99 percent of American culture, public nudity is unacceptable, Lunsford reported. The professor told the students that none of them would undress in front of their classmates even if guaranteed an A in the class.
“One student took the challenge,” Lunsford said. “He disrobed. Upon that student taking the challenge of disrobing, class was dismissed.”
Lunsford said the professor “asked to activate his retirement” after the incident. Citing privacy issues, Lunsford declined to name the professor or the student. He said the professor has been at Mars Hill for more than 25 years and has a good reputation.
In a written statement to the Biblical Recorder, Lunsford said he doesn't think public nudity is an acceptable practice in American society or in an academic environment. “The example used was an inappropriate [teaching] methodology,” he said. “The professor accepted responsibility and initiated action himself.”
The student was not punished but will not receive the A he was offered, Lunsford said in the interview. The professor was shocked and dismayed that one of the students accepted the challenge and followed through on it, Lunsford said.
Lunsford said he regretted the teacher's challenge and the student's response. “I was surprised, certainly disappointed,” he said. “I felt it was a most regrettable incident.”
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