Joe Gow, the former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, is at the center of a debate. Gow, who’s been teaching for over a decade, is now fighting to keep his post after being fired over his involvement in the adult film industry. The former academic leader does not want to apologize for his past, defending his free speech and right to personal freedom despite public outcry.
Gow’s removal from his chancellor position shocked many, but it didn’t come entirely out of the blue. His history of stirring controversy within the University of Wisconsin system dates back to 2018. That year, Gow was criticized for inviting famed pornographic actor Nina Hartley to speak at the university.
Her appearance, funded by $5,000 of student fees, sparked backlash. Although Gow argued the invitation was part of an open discussion on human sexuality, his superiors were less than pleased. Ray Cross, the UW system president at the time, reprimanded him, and the Board of Regents withheld a salary increase.
Despite this, Gow didn’t back down. “We’re a university, a place for open dialogue and challenging ideas,” Gow said at the time, defending Hartley’s talk as an important conversation about sexual health and relationships.
More Controversies to Come
But this wasn’t Gow’s last brush with controversy. The 2023 scandal that led to his firing stems from his and his wife’s involvement in the adult entertainment industry. The couple has been producing adult films together, even running a YouTube channel called Sexy Healthy Cooking, where they cook meals alongside porn actors.
On top of this, Gow and his wife have authored two e-books under pseudonyms, “Monogamy with Benefits: How Porn Enriches Our Relationship” and “Married with Benefits — Our Real-Life Adult Industry Adventures.” These books detail their experiences and advocacy for monogamy within the adult film industry.
When the news of his past became viral, university officials had to act. Responding to the moral debate: Can someone involved in adult films continue to hold a respected teaching position in academia?
The Ethics Debate
For Gow, the answer is clear and straightforward: his personal choices should not interfere with his professional career. In a prepared statement, Gow highlighted the importance of personal freedom and said, “I have the right to live my life the way I choose as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else.” In addition, he talked about his academic works and contributions to the university. No one at that time knew about his projects, and it was fine.
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, however, disagreed. Citing “unethical behavior” as their reasoning, they moved to strip him of his tenured position. Gow’s supporters defend his freedom of speech. Others argue that people involved in the adult industry shouldn’t be teaching students, period.
Can a person’s private life be completely separate from their role in a public institution? Gow certainly thinks so, but others aren’t so sure.
A History of Advocacy
To his supporters, Gow has always advocated for open dialogue and free expression. His 2018 defense of Nina Hartley’s visit is evidence of this. At the time, Gow said, “I wanted to start a conversation about human sexuality. If we can’t talk about these things openly, where can we?” This statement was the foundation of his defense for his adult film work.
Image: John Gaynor
However, no one can ignore that the adult industry is still a touchy subject (no pun intended) in our society. Minds are slowly opening, but the path is still long! Are people involved in the adult industry too risqué to hold positions of authority, or is this simply a case of outdated morality?
Latest Developments
Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was fired in a unanimous vote by the UW System Board of Regents, following his involvement in producing adult content. The Regents cited just cause for the dismissal, leading Gow to lose his salary and benefits.
So what’s next you say? Well, Gow plans to sue on 1st Amendment grounds. Keeping his position on how his dismissal violates his free speech. He already has the support of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) to represent him legally.
This case truly represents the line between personal liberties and public perception in a courthouse and how challenging it is to draw such a line.
Should an individual’s private life dictate their professional future? Or should their activities outside of work remain their personal concern? Let us know what you think.
Sébastien has a unique way of tackling serious subjects and making them accessible to a diverse readership. His ability to address taboos and open up enlightening discussions helps audiences understand the phenomena and players shaping the future of the adult industry.