The first three words Dr. Colleen Clemens ever said to me were, “Who are you?” Now, this wasn’t a “Who are you?” that meant, “What the hell are you doing in my class?” It was the kind of “Who are you?” that said, “God, I can’t wait to teach you things,” and taught me things she has.
I am very fortunate to say that I am in Dr. Clemens’ Women Writers Around the World class, and it has been the most rewarding course I have taken here at Kutztown. I have learned the importance of talking about gender, race, culture, religion, internationality, feminine fluids, and even brooms. I have read amazing books and short stories that have given me a completely new perspective about the world. This class brought me to Her Campus, an outlet that I am so incredibly grateful for. This is all because of Dr. Clemens.
Recently, Dr. Clemens gave an interview that, at this point, has turned into something that is so far from what the interview was about. In short, Dr. Clemens tweeted: “Toxic masculinity is killing everyone. REPEAT. Toxic masculinity is killing everyone. REPEAT. Toxic masculinity is killing everyone. REPEAT.” She then spoke with a reporter and said that gender plays a huge role in the mass killings and terrorism that has been happening in the world. She explained to my class that if we do not have a legitimate discussion about gender, nothing will change. The world will continue to see the hurt we are facing now.
All of this turned into a story about how liberal professors are “coddling” delicate “snowflakes” and that Dr. Clemens is a terrible professor with no merit or integrity. People were tweeting at her saying she has mental illnesses, like borderline personality disorder, someone should kill her, she needs to be fired, and that liberals are killing babies so they cannot talk about how toxic masculinity is killing everyone.
Honestly, all of this makes me sick. I feel so proud to be taught by such an honorable woman who is not afraid to speak, or tweet, the truth. I respect her with every cell in my body, and it pains me to see that others cannot feel the same way. There will never be a day that goes by that I do not thank the universe for giving me the opportunity to be taught by such a strong-willed, unapologetic woman. I am truly honored.
The Washington Free Beacon Article: http://freebeacon.com/culture/professor-toxic-masculinity-killing-everyone/
Breitbart Article: http://www.breitbart.com/education/2017/11/14/kutztown-university-profes…