Northwestern professor apologizes for 'f*cksaw' demonstration

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A Northwestern University professor who allowed an on-campus presentation of a live sex act during an after-class event apologized on Saturday and said it would not happen again.

The demonstration featured use of a sex toy on a naked woman by her fiance in front of more than 100 students at an after-class event for a sexuality course at the prestigious private university in Evanston, Illinois, north of Chicago.

"I regret allowing the controversial after class demonstration on February 21st," Professor J. Michael Bailey, who teaches a popular class on human sexuality, wrote in a statement.

"I regret the effect that this has had on Northwestern University's reputation, and I regret upsetting so many people in this particular manner. I apologize," he wrote.

He added that the demonstration was "relevant" to the class but that he would not allow a similar event again.

Northwestern President Morton Schapiro said on Thursday that he was launching an investigation into the demonstration.

Bailey wrote that he was surprised by the reaction to the demonstration, which he noted was completely voluntary.

"Observers were Northwestern students legally capable of voting, enlisting in the military, and consuming pornography, as well as making many other serious decisions that legal adults are allowed to make," he wrote.

Bailey added that he was working with undergraduate students on an event to discuss the demonstration and the issues it raised.

A Northwestern spokesman declined to comment on Bailey's statement.

(Reporting by Mark Weinraub, editing by Ellen Wulfhorst)

[Image via Northwestern University]