Facing Criticism, UTSA Places Professor On Leave After She Called Campus Police on Student Who "Had Her Feet Up"

Following outrage from a controversial video posted to Twitter, officials with the University of Texas at San Antonio have placed a professor on leave.

Professor Anita Moss is on leave after a video of her calling campus police on a female African-American student who "had her feet up" during class was posted to Twitter on Monday. The video quickly went viral and now has nearly 4 million views.

So this happened today in class, a girl had her feet up and the professor called the police after calling our class uncivil 😬 pic.twitter.com/spq0ShXiFU

— Apurva Rawal (@ApurvaYRawal) November 12, 2018

In replies to the original post, the student who uploaded the video, Apurva Rawal, tweeted that Moss called the class "uncivil" because a few students were on their phone or not paying attention. He said Moss "flex[ed] her authority" and singled out the student because her ego was bruised.

Many Twitter users who saw the video agreed with Rawal, tweeting that Moss overreacted and acted unprofessionally. Though some users came to the professor's defense, students in the class said Moss' actions wasted class time and were unnecessary. Other users called for action to be taken against Moss.

We are aware of this situation and are working closely with the student and Department of Biology to better understand what happened today.

— UTSA (@UTSA) November 12, 2018

The university announced Tuesday that Moss is on leave and that another faculty member will replace her for the remainder of the semester. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy also said the student, who identified herself on Twitter, was welcomed back to class and offered support services.

This is me in Anita Moss’ 2053 Bio classroom. Upon entering class I was told I needed to leave or would be escorted out by officers, I never disobeyed the student code of conduct. Not once. A police report is being filed atm, this is just the beginning. Thanks for your support! https://t.co/YUZGmwgFa7

— pistachio 🍂🍁 (@FavoritePaigeee) November 12, 2018

An investigation of the incident is ongoing and "appropriate final action" will be determined upon completion next week.

Eighmy said the incident has caused officials to look at the "campus climate – especially for students of color" and to make the university more inclusive.

pic.twitter.com/l75rHekLxr

— UTSA (@UTSA) November 13, 2018

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