A faculty committee at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has recommended that former chancellor Joe Gow be removed from his tenured position due to his involvement in adult entertainment. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported the committee’s unanimous decision, setting the stage for the University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents to decide on firing him. Gow, who is on paid leave, was ousted as chancellor in December 2023 for producing pornographic content shared on adult websites and now wishes to resume teaching.

During a hearing last month, the university argued for Gow’s dismissal, citing unethical behavior, non-cooperation with an investigation, and violations of computer policies. A report from the faculty committee stated that while creating pornographic videos was not deemed unethical, Gow’s response to the ensuing publicity raised concerns. The committee criticized Gow for using his faculty position at La Crosse to capitalize on the videos for increased attention and revenue instead of handling the situation in the university’s best interests.

Gow, anticipating the outcome, defended his actions by asserting that his videos and books, co-authored with his wife Carmen, are protected under the First Amendment. He expressed readiness for a public hearing before the Board of Regents, although no date has been scheduled yet. The committee pointed out three instances of alleged unethical conduct, including Gow inviting an adult film star to campus without disclosing his prior involvement with her in a sex video. Additionally, it questioned Gow’s credibility for presenting their books as factual despite admitting to embellishments and faulted him for alleged non-cooperation during the investigation.

While one accusation regarding the deletion of computer information to impede the investigation was dismissed due to lack of evidence, the committee emphasized Gow’s controversial actions surrounding adult entertainment as grounds for the recommendation to terminate his tenured position.