U of S law professors call John Gormley Twitter comment offensive, demeaning

Twenty current and former law professors at the University of Saskatchewan have written an open letter decrying comments made by a Saskatoon-based radio host.

Last month, John Gormley posted a controversial message on Twitter in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Gormley removed the tweet and later apologized.

However, a group of law professors at the University of Saskatchewan recently wrote an open letter on the issue, distancing themselves from the remarks. Gormley is a lawyer and is an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Law.

"Law itself should be a place where people can enter 'from many doors' and where people can build, rather than tear down, the foundations of community," read the letter. "Unfortunately, Mr. Gormley's twitter comment is the antithesis of this sentiment."

The letter's writers, who include former Dean Brent Cotter, said they were astounded by the comment, and said they thought the tweet was "highly demeaning to members of the Muslim faith, (and) has offended many students, faculty and staff at our law school and beyond."

Neither Gormley nor the professors could be reached.

Last month, two petitions were created asking the radio host to resign.