Fat-shaming college professor barred from determining grad students' admission

The University of New Mexico (UNM) psychology professor who was heavily criticized for posting an insulting message toward "obese PhD applicants" online has been censured by the college and forced to develop and attend a sensitivity training program, KOB-TV reported on Tuesday.

The sanctions against Geoffrey Miller came just over two months after he wrote on Twitter on June 2, "Dear obese PhD applicants: if you don't have the willpower to stop eating carbs, you won't have the willpower to do a dissertation. #truth" while teaching a summer course at New York University (NYU). NYU rejected his request to continue working there.

Miller deleted the tweet, but when the chair of UNM's psychology department, Jane Ellen Smith, contacted him asking about it, he told her it was part of a research project. A subsequent investigation later revealed the statement was not connected to any study.

For his actions, UNM has ruled that besides apologizing to his colleagues, Miller will be subject to increased monitoring; he must check in with a faculty mentor on a regular basis for three years; and he is no longer allowed to sit on any committees dealing with admissions to the psychology graduate school program during his tenure.

Watch KOB's report, aired Tuesday, below.

[h/t Inside Higher Ed]