Prof resigns, apologizes for condoning sexual assault of DeVos
Robert Ranco had already resigned from his position at the Carlson Law Firm, and recently re-activated his Twitter account in order to publish a letter of apology to DeVos and her family.
An Austin Community College professor has resigned amid fallout from a recent tweet in which he said, “I’m not wishing for it...but I’d be ok if #BetsyDevos was sexually assaulted."
The professor who said he would be okay with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos being sexually assaulted has now resigned from his position at Austin Community College.
Robert Ranco had already resigned from his position at the Carlson Law Firm following Campus Reform’s coverage of his provocative tweet, in which he said, “I’m not wishing for it...but I’d be ok if #BetsyDevos was sexually assaulted. #SexualAssault #TitleIX.”
[RELATED: University of Baltimore students stage ‘#NeverDeVos’ walk-out]
Now, a spokesperson for ACC has informed Campus Reform that Ranco has also resigned from his role as an adjunct professor of paralegal studies.
“The comment he posted on his personal social media page does not represent ACC’s vision, mission, or values,” the school’s statement noted. “The college never condones sexual assault under any circumstance.”
After posting the initial tweet Friday night, Ranco went on to clarify that “Yes, @twitter. My words were harsh. I don't wish harm on anyone. I wish there's some way #BetsyDevos would understand and care about others.”
Later on, Ranco tweeted “Twitter trolls are now due process experts! Priceless. #TitleIX”
In an apology to Betsy DeVos dated Wednesday, Ranco tweeted that “I owe you an apology.”
“I made comments directed at you that were absolutely inexcusable, and I am sorry for that,” Ranco wrote. “I may disagree with your policies, but please know that I don’t believe anyone should ever be subjected to a sexual assault.”
[RELATED: University denies promoting masturbation as deterrent to rape]
“I tweeted something mean and crass and completely insensitive to all victims of sexual assault,” he added, acknowledging that “it was wholly wrong and a direct contradiction of my position that we need to better protect people.”
Ranco concluded by indicating that he does not necessarily expect DeVos to forgive him before reiterating his apology.
“I certainly don’t deserve your forgiveness for what I said. I know I would have a hard time forgiving someone who directed something like that at a member of my own family,” he said. “Still, I am truly sorry to you and your family for having said it.”
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