Drexel professor placed on leave following controversial tweets

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drexel University has placed one of its professors on administrative leave. According to officials, this action is both for his safety and the safety of the entire university community.

In a recent series of posts to Twitter, Professor George Ciccariello Maher voiced his controversial thoughts about the Las Vegas Mass Shooting, claiming the narrative of 'white victimization' was behind the massacre.

He tweeted the shooting "was a morbid symptom of what happens when those who believe they deserve to own the world, think it's been stolen from them."

His Twitter account, which clearly states his views do not reflect that of the university, drew death threats at the school.

The university has since placed him on administrative leave, and issued a statement saying: "We believe this is a necessary step to ensure the safety of our campus."

Freshman Carlos Ortiz is from Las Vegas and feels the political science professor crossed the line in his recent post, but that he shouldn't be punished for his actions.

"That just comes with the first amendment. What you say has consequences or a sequence that follows after, so if he says things that are very unpopular, they might do that sort of thing...death threats," said Ortiz.

"I really believe that having the first amendment right is essential, and he should be able to say what he likes on Twitter even though I don't agree with it," he added.

A number of students who spoke with Action News called the school's decision shameful, arguing Ciccariello Maher's comments were merely to provoke thought.

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