Prof. Glenn Reynolds (@instapundit) in the clear – No action by U Tennessee over “run them down” tweet

The University of Tennessee  at Knoxville apparently doesn’t want to take on the leader of the Army of Davids.

We reported the other day that UTK was “investigating” Prof. Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit over the tweet suggesting that drivers surrounded by the violent racist mobs of rioters on Charlotee highways “run them down,” Twitter suspends Instapundit for suggesting people not become victims of racist thug rioters (Update):

Any reasonable person would have understood that tweet to mean that if threatened with deadly force by the rioters, you could escape by driving through the mob. That tweet and advice was consistent with the law of self-defense.

But this being the internet, the reaction was not reasonable, and there was a 48 hour mini-rage at Prof. Reynolds, including by other law professors.

Prof. Reynolds readily admitted he could have used more clear languate.

UTK Law’s Dean announced an investigation.

The investigation is done. No action will be taken, via Knox News:

The University of Tennessee College of Law Dean Melanie D. Wilson said Tuesday that no disciplinary action will be taken against one of its law professors and contributing columnist for USA TODAY and the News Sentinel who urged motorists to run over demonstrators blocking traffic in Charlotte, N.C.”The tweet was an exercise of his First Amendment rights,” Wilson wrote in a post on the law school’s website.”Nevertheless, the tweet offended many members of our community and beyond, and I understand the hurt and frustration they feel.”

It is important to get to the bottom of who complained to UTK and tried to get Prof. Reynolds fired. We intend to do just that.

[Featured Image: YouTube]

Tags: Academic Freedom, Blogging, Free Speech, Law of Self Defense, Twitter

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