Michigan State University is committed to creating a learning environment that is characterized by mutual respect and civility where diverse ideas can be explored.

On Sept. 3, university leaders were made aware of statements made by Professor William Penn in a classroom, and the Office of the Provost began a review. Penn acknowledged some of his comments were inappropriate, disrespectful and offensive and may have negatively affected the learning environment. His teaching duties were reassigned to others for the remainder of the fall semester.

Penn will be assigned to teach two small courses in creative writing in the spring semester. In the meantime, a faculty committee created by Academic Governance continues to review the responsibilities of faculty members and the impact of social media on teaching and learning. Their report is due in early 2014.

-Kent Cassella, MSU spokesman