Willie P Reviewing Professor's Alleged Anti-Semitic Remarks

WAYNE, NJ — William Paterson University officials are reviewing anti-Semitic and other controversial remarks a sociology professor allegedly made during a class he was teaching this past semester.

Associate Professor of Sociology Clyde Magarelli was recorded in a freshman-level class this spring by student Bethany Koval, an American Jew, stating the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany, was not a terrorist force for the majority of its existence.

Magarelli also stated in class that Irish-American immigrants were the first slaves in the United States and that "transgenderism" is a mental-illness, according to Koval.

Magarelli also claimed that having an abortion performed causes post-traumatic stress disorder, that Native Americans are not indigenous to the United States, and that landing someone on the moon is impossible.

Koval confronted Magarelli on his statements and wrote an email, which she posted on Twitter, to Dr. Jacob Felson, the acting chairperson of the university's Sociology Department.

"He believes in right-wing mythologies such as post-abortion stress disorder, biological essence of women, Irish immigrants as the first slaves in the U.S., and "transgenderism" as a mental illness," Koval said in her letter. "I have skipped a few classes due to the great discomfort he causes me. Not only is he offensive, but he is also not factual whatsoever."

Felson responded to Koval's message stating that she could file a formal complaint against Magarelli.

Koval did not respond to attempt to contact her on social media for comment.

University spokesperson Marybeth Zeman stated that the matter is being reviewed "to determine what action may be warranted.

"Our commitment to academic excellence is addressed in one of the University’s five core values: 'As individuals and as an institution, we seek to model and to impart to our students the highest standards of knowledge, inquiry, preparation, academic freedom, and integrity, as well as an expanded sense of what an individual can accomplish.'

Magarelli did not immediately respond to an email and a phone message seeking comment.

It is not the first time Magarelli has been rebuked for allegedly making controversial comments.

A student filed a formal complaint with the university last year against Magarelli, according to the Jewish Standard.

Also, according to the Jewish Standard, Magarelli handed students a document that allegedly lowballed the number of deaths in Nazi concentration camps, stating the "theme of 6 million concentration camp deaths... a theme of between 700,000 and 800,000 appears more realistic." Six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.

Magarelli teaches five classes at William Paterson, including Social Problems and Sociology of War, his university faculty profile states. He is working to develop an Italian Studies program.

Koval, a Fair Lawn High School alumnus, was reprimanded by district officials last year regarding a then-fellow classmate who unfollowed her on Twitter after she allegedly posted an anti-Israel tweet.

Koval received worldwide attention on the matter for a number of reasons, most notably the issues of free speech by a student and how much districts can punish students for what they say on social media.

Related:

• Fair Lawn Student: 'I Was Reprimanded Over Anti-Israel Tweets'
  
• Free Speech Group: Fair Lawn Teen Deserves an Apology
  
• Worldwide Support For Fair Lawn Teen After Anti-Israel Tweets

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: The William Paterson University campus (William Paterson University)