University to probe professor’s remarks targeting universities

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After Prof. Ebubekir Sofuoğlu, a faculty member from Sakarya University (SAÜ), said on a TV program that universities were "almost houses of prostitution," SAÜ President Prof. Fatih Savaşan has announced that the necessary action will be taken against the academic over his remarks.

The announcement of the university president came amid public backlash, especially on social media. SAÜ President Prof. Savaşan has said, "It is in no way possible to accept or tolerate the statements made by one of our faculty members Prof. Ebubekir Sofuoğlu on a national channel. The necessary proceedings will begin over his related speech."

Presidential Spokesperson: Hideous, ugly

Apart from the ensuing public backlash, Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın and Presidency's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun have also denounced the remarks of the academic.

While Fahrettin Altun has said, "Our universities are our centers for research, education and service for society. Our young people are the apple of our eye," İbrahim Kalın has announced that they have welcomed the decision of the university to take action about "this hideous (disgusting) and ugly statement that brought universities under suspicion."

What happened?

Attending a live program on pro-government Akit TV channel, Prof. Ebubekir Sofuoğlu from the Sakarya University Department of History referred to universities in the following words: "Our Dear President also emphasized it. They are almost houses of prostitution."

After the other program guests objected and warned him saying, "But, professor, isn't it a bit harsh, please don't," Prof. Sofuoğlu went on to say, "Come on, let me take you for a tour. Where are you living?"

'İstanbul Convention will shed blood', he said

Prof. Sofuoğlu previously caused backlash for targeting the İstanbul Convention by saying, "İstanbul Convention will shed so much blood; it will be possible to take the children who want to change their gender from their families by force." The academic also alleged that "Google was invented by the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid." (AÖ/SD)