Purdue employee’s account posts ‘rape threats’
The university is now investigating
An account in the name of Jamie Newman, an accompanist and composer for the Purdue Division of Dance, made a “rape threat” in the comment section of pro-life news site Live Action News.
The user “jamiegnewman” posted in response to another commenter, threatening to rape someone’s wife and family.
He said: “Oh, I’m sorry. So, let me make my intentions quite explicit: I did in fact offer to rape Tom’s wife/daughter/great grandmother. Free of charge, even. I’m generous that way.”
Bizarrely, it also included the phone number for the West Lafayette Police Department and the local FBI.
User jamiegnewman’s comments have now been removed and Jamie Newman’s recently public Facebook profile has now been set to private.
This comes a week after Newman posted on the Purdue Students for Life Facebook page: “You folks are vile, racist, idiots.”
Purdue said it is investigating the comments left by “jamiegnewman,” whose account often posts in politically charged discussions.
The Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications Julie Rosa said: “Obviously, a threat of rape is outside the bounds of any definition of protected speech.
“Due process requires that, before taking any action, we verify the alleged facts and give this staff member the chance to explain himself if he can.
“Needless to say, the statements, as alleged, are reprehensible and unacceptable in the eyes of the entire Purdue community.”