UC Berkeley computer science professor Jonathan Shewchuk faced backlash for comments made in an online educational forum regarding dating and the quality of women in different parts of the state.
The professor responded to a student’s question by saying it was better to leave the Bay Area to find a girlfriend and that women’s behavior differed starkly elsewhere.
“If you want a girlfriend, get out of the Bay Area,” Shewchuk said.
Professor Jonathan Shewchuk at UC Berkeley advised a student to leave California to find a girlfriend, citing significant behavioral differences in women outside the Bay Area. This advice, shared on a discussion board, led to backlash, accusations of misogyny, and calls for… pic.twitter.com/wsc5H6PShc
— ClipLabHD (@ClipLabHD) March 23, 2024
This drew criticism from students and faculty for being misogynistic and objectifying women.
“Almost everywhere else on the planet is better for that. I’m not kidding at all,” Shewchuk wrote.
“You’ll be shocked by the stark differences in behavior of women in places where women are plentiful versus their behavior within artillery distance of San Jose and San Francisco,” he added.
While the professor later apologized, claiming he did not intend disrespect, his teaching assistant and students said the remarks furthered discrimination in the field and some no longer felt comfortable with him as an instructor.
“We want to be absolutely clear that the offensive content of the original post goes against the values and Principles of Community we adhere to at UC Berkeley,” university spokesperson Roqua Montez stated. “The comment was hurtful and threatening to students – particularly women – in his class and beyond.”
“It just made me feel very objectified and uncomfortable because it was basically the implication that women in CS are just there to be potential dates,” student Rebecca Dang said.
“I apologize for my reply … which has caused bad feelings I did not intend,” Shewchuk wrote. “I did not mean to convey any disrespect for women, or anybody else, nor to blame the blameless. I value all of my students. I am sorry for my words and for how it made many of you feel.”
“I hope you’ll understand that my comment was motivated by sympathy [for the student] and a desire to help students,” he said. “Life is hard sometimes. I feel for all of you who are having a rough time, for whatever reason. Things can get better, and it starts with empathy for each other.”
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