Theology professor Tony Jennings was recently suspended from his position at Grand Canyon University, a for-profit Christian school in Phoenix, AZ, for remarks made last year during a conference. KPNX reports:
Dr. Toby Jennings spoke at a theology conference in September 2016. An audience member asked him about Black Lives Matter. Jennings said some in the movement are willing to listen and have a civil dialogue.
"They're wanting to hear what somebody else has to say about it," Jennings said, "and you have people on the opposite extreme of that that frankly should be hung."
If you’re shocked to read those statements you are not alone. Jennings noticed the reaction and tried to “explain” his position—which wasn’t any better.
There were gasps in the audience and Jennings, who is African-American, clarified his comment.
"That kind of rhetoric is not helpful to any conversation and that's what I mean by they should be hung," Jennings said.
Jennings doesn't seem to really understand what Black Lives Matter is (unless he’s pro-racism), but his choice of words is extremely troubling. Anyone with at least a basic understanding of American history knows that lynching was a common tactic used to terrorize Black individuals and communities.
Local civil rights leaders are calling for Jennings to be fired, saying he’s a reflection of a broader anti-Black culture at their campus. Grand Cayon University, unsurprisingly, denies those allegations. However, they have met with BLM and apologized for their employee’s remarks.
Watch a segment about the reaction to the offensive remarks below: