Daniels: Incident involving online rape threats handled properly

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Purdue University President Mitch Daniels said he believes the incident with an employee who made rape threats was handled properly by the university.

Jamie Newman had been employed part-time by the university as a dance accompanist and composer. Allegations surfaced last week that Newman made rape threats in a social media post.

“This is as serious a expression that’s happened during my time here,” said Daniels.

Purdue investigated and did not to take any action initially because they determined there was no real threat. The next day, the university’s legal counsel said Newman could still face employment-related actions and demanded an apology. They said if he had made such a vulgar statement while working for a private school, he would have been fired. Newman then resigned on Monday.

Daniels said Newman’s words were permitted under the university’s free speech policy, passed by the Board of Trustees last year.

“The policy says, basically, that the university may condemn or denounce speech, but will not censor or punish mere speech,” said Daniels.

Daniels said Newman was able to explain himself and his speech to investigators. He said things may have been different before the board passed the new policy.

“There was a clause that said the statement will be presumed and indicate an intent to act,” said Daniels.

Daniels said the university will use this as a learning opportunity, as the university continues to protect free speech.