PA lawmaker demands accountability at UPenn after prof praises Luigi Mangione
In a shocking turn of events, GOP Rep. Dan Meuser has demanded the firing of University of Pennsylvania professor Julia Alekseyeva for her controversial social media posts praising Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Meuser, a Pennsylvania congressman, sent a scathing letter to UPenn’s president, J. Larry Jameson, calling for immediate action against the left-wing professor.
Alekseyeva, who teaches Cinema & Media Studies at UPenn, faced backlash for her online comments linking herself to Mangione and describing him as “the icon we all need and deserve.” The professor, who proudly identifies as a socialist and anti-fascist, made headlines for her insensitive remarks following Thompson’s tragic death.
Meuser, a potential candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial race, criticized Alekseyeva’s behavior as “outrageous” and a violation of the fundamental principles of a civilized society. He emphasized the need for accountability and ethical standards in academic institutions like UPenn.
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Meuser condemned any form of violence glorification, especially from educators at renowned universities. He stressed the importance of upholding the core values of higher education and maintaining public trust in academic institutions.
The congressman raised concerns about federal funding for UPenn, citing the university’s receipt of $936 million in research grants in 2023. He warned that future financial support could be at risk if appropriate actions are not taken to address the situation involving Alekseyeva.
Meuser called on President Jameson to provide answers regarding the professor’s conduct, potential misuse of university resources, and steps being taken to prevent similar controversies in the future. The congressman set a deadline for UPenn to respond by the end of the year, signaling the seriousness of the matter.
UPenn’s deputy dean of Arts & Sciences acknowledged the controversy surrounding Alekseyeva’s posts and emphasized that they contradict the university’s values. The professor reportedly retracted her comments, acknowledging their insensitivity and inappropriateness.
The arrest of Mangione, a prominent figure from Baltimore, following Thompson’s murder, added a layer of complexity to the situation. The suspect’s capture was a result of a tip from a McDonald’s customer in Blair County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the widespread impact of the case.
As the controversy unfolds, the UPenn community and academic circles await further developments in response to Rep. Dan Meuser’s demands for accountability and ethical standards in higher education. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and professionalism in academic discourse.
