A University of Wisconsin professor, Joe Gow, is still receiving an annual salary of over $90,000 despite being demoted for creating X-rated “vegan cooking” videos with high profile porn stars. Although he was fired from his role as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, he was allowed to stay on as a communications professor. Despite claims that his XXX career is not financially lucrative and is more of a hobby, Gow’s income has significantly decreased from $263,000 to approximately $92,000.
Gow, 64, is currently on paid leave and is not allowed to set foot on campus. The interim chancellor has filed three charges against him for unethical conduct, failure to cooperate with an investigation, and using the school’s computers to produce pornographic materials. These charges are related to racy e-books Gow and his wife wrote under pseudonyms, which he claims did not mention UW-La Crosse or his role at the university. Gow believes that his free speech rights were violated by the Regents Board when they fired him and that being relieved of his teaching duties will further harm his career.
Gow, who is married to former UW-La Crosse professor Carmen Wilson, creates X-rated content online under the alias “Sexy Happy Couple,” promoting themselves as a sex-positive couple promoting free expression. Despite claims of ethical content creation, Gow’s removal has divided the student body and the city of La Crosse, with some supporting him as a good teacher and others criticizing him for perpetuating an industry that victimizes individuals.
Gow is set to face a hearing later this year and plans to represent himself without hiring an attorney. He believes that the burden of proof is on the university to prove that he did something wrong. Despite the financial limitations of his porn work, Gow maintains that he is proud of his on-camera sex adventures and sees it as a way to enhance his marriage. He expresses love for what he and his wife have created and believes it has brought them openness and enhanced their relationship.
The controversy surrounding Joe Gow’s situation has sparked debate over whether a porn actor is fit to teach college students, with some arguing that his personal life should not impact his teaching abilities while others believe he is unfit due to his involvement in an industry that victimizes individuals. Despite differing opinions, Gow remains steadfast in his defense of his actions and maintains that his porn work is a positive aspect of his marriage. The outcome of the hearing later this year will determine whether he can return to the classroom and continue his work as a communications professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.