ODU places assistant professor on leave after controversial research on pedophilia prompts safety concerns

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ODU places assistant professor on leave after controversial research on pedophilia prompts safety concerns

NORFOLK

by: Sarah Fearing

Posted: Nov 16, 2021 / 06:35 PM EST / Updated: Nov 17, 2021 / 09:03 AM EST

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Old Dominion University has put an assistant professor on administrative leave after a strong public reaction over their research on people who are attracted to children prompted safety concerns on campus.

Old Dominion made the announcement in a statement Tuesday night, saying Dr. Allyn Walker had been placed on leave “effective immediately” from their position as assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice.

Walker’s research on pedophilia and people who have a sexual attraction to children recently gained national attention both in the local community and on the internet. Walker’s research called for change in the way we refer to “minor-attracted persons” who don’t act on their attractions.

The professor said using a different term for the people doesn’t indicate anything about the morality of the attraction, but differentiates these people from those who sexually abuse children, which Walker says is always wrong.

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/odu-puts-assistant-professor-on-leave-after-controversial-research-on-pedophilia-prompts-safety-concerns/