An Oklahoma University journalism professor has caused an uproar after he said calling someone a "boomer" is comparable to calling someone the n-word, the Daily Mail reported on Wednesday.
The Black Emergency Response Team at the university said they expected "full action to be taken against the professor [Peter Gade] and college," adding "we expect accommodation be made for the students who have experienced trauma because of this."
Students have threatened to boycott Gade's class, with one stating on Twitter, "I have to have this class in order to graduate. But I have to stand with my fellow students. I shouldn't have to chose between my education and advocating for what's right."
Gade, who has been on the faculty since 1998, made the comment while lecturing about using more traditional journalism practices, the OU Daily reported.
A student in class pointed out it is important to change with the times so journalists can keep up with younger generations, to which Gade said the student's comment was the equivalent to telling him, "OK, Boomer."
The class chuckled, but Gade continued by saying, "Calling someone a boomer is like calling someone [the n-word]."
Several students reportedly left the class as others condemned his remarks.
Interim University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in a statement that "While the professor's comments are protected by the First Amendment and academic freedom, his comment and word choice are fundamentally offensive and wrong."
Gade sent an email to students stating, "I made an inexcusable mistake this morning in class with my choice of a word. I was wrong. I am sorry ... Use of this word is inappropriate in any — especially educational — settings."
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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