We are writing to share information about a situation that occurred yesterday and what we are doing in response. Shortly before noon Tuesday, the UGA Police Department was made aware that social media influencers had confronted an instructor in class with accusations of inappropriate predatory texting with a minor and posted a video of the incident. The rest of the class was canceled. The video exchange was posted online, and by last night, the incident had gone viral.
The allegations that have been made against the instructor are deeply troubling, and we want you to know that the University takes them very seriously. An investigation has already been launched, and the instructor was promptly removed from campus while that investigation is pending. The UGA PD has been in communication with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and is working with the social media influencers to collect all relevant evidence. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences will arrange for another instructor to teach the class for the rest of the semester.
The safety of our campus community is our top priority. We encourage anyone who might have information about these allegations to contact UGA PD at 706-542-2200. Concerns can also be shared via the CyberTipline, a national reporting mechanism for cases of child sexual exploitation. Reports may be made 24/7 online at
cybertipline.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
We encourage any students affected by this incident to reach out to Student Care and Outreach at
sco.uga.edu for support. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is also available 24/7 for students seeking additional assistance at
caps.uga.edu. Faculty and staff can contact the UGA Employee Assistance Program at
benefits.usg.edu/work-life/eโฆ or University Human Resources at 706-542-2222 or Hrweb@uga.edu.