Bowling Green State University is disavowing a tweet on a personal account by Travis Sheaffer, one of its employees, that called for a member of Congress to be put on trial for treason and executed.
The tweet was aimed at U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota). Sheaffer is a technology projects coordinator in the College of Arts and Science and an adjunct (part-time) instructor in computer science.
The tweet has been deleted, but a screenshot published by WTOL in Toledo shows it was posted Saturday evening.
Sheaffer’s Twitter and Facebook accounts have been closed, and a telephone number had an inactive mail box so no message could be left.
Sheaffer is a former member of Napoleon City Council. He left the council in late October.
The statement issued by Dave Kielmeyer, spokesperson for BGSU said: “Mr. Sheaffer does not speak for Bowling Green State University. The tweet from his personal account was inappropriate and counter to BGSU’s values on diversity, belonging and civility. However, his comment is protected under the First Amendment and the University’s policy on free speech and expression. While we respect Mr. Sheaffer’s right to share his views, we will always speak out against individuals or groups that espouse intolerance or hate.”
Sheaffer’s tweet echoed a statement from a political challenger to Omar. Danielle Stella, a candidate in the Republican primary, was subsequently banned from Twitter for hate speech.
