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Ball State professor who called police on black student won't teach rest of semester

Posted at 11:27 AM, Feb 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-18 13:34:01-05

MUNCIE, Ind. — A Ball State University professor who's been the center of controversy in recent weeks won't teach for the remainder of the current semester. That's according to Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist for the school.

Professor of Marketing Dr. Shaheen Borna sparked a firestorm in January after he called university police to his classroom when a student of color refused a request to change seats.

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"Dr. Borna will not be teaching classes for the remainder of the semester," said Ransford in a statement sent to WRTV. "This decision is in the best interest of Dr. Borna and the University. The Dean of the Miller College of Business, in consultation with the Provost, made this decision to ensure that we provide continuity in the curriculum, eliminate any unnecessary distractions, and help our students complete the appropriate course expectations."

WRTV asked if Dr. Borna remains a university employee, but Ransford declined to answer.

A few days after the classroom incident, dozens of students walked out of their classes to stand in solidarity with Sultan Benson, the student involved in the confrontation.

PREVIOUS | Ball State walk out organized after viral video of professor calling police on student

Students groups had been demanding the tenured professor retire and go through sensitivity training.

This story was originally published by Tom Maccabe at WRTV.