For the last six years, Paul Roof has served as an associate professor of sociology at Charleston Southern University—that is until recently. The now ex-teacher says the university fired him after disapproving of a rather interesting photo taken of him in 2013.
In the picture, Roof is pictured with his well-known beard, sectioned off into four pieces and curled at the ends. He completes the beard with a cowboy hat and shades. It was this image that eventually landed on a beer label promoting Holy City Brewing’s Chucktown Follicle Brown.
The photo was taken by Greg Anderson, a commercial photographer in Las Vegas. Roof says this particular image has also appeared in campaigns for Charleston’s Dig South festival as well as Lubbock Young Life, an organization dedicated to fostering positive relationships with adolescents.
“As a sociologist who studies popular culture & symbolic interaction, the diverse areas where the image appears makes it a great educational tool,” Roof wrote on Facebook. “If this news upsets you feel free to contact your administration.”
Roof is the founder of the The Holy City Beard and Mustache Society. His organization recently hosted the 2014 Southeastern Beard and Moustache Competition, a charity event that raises money for ovarian cancer.
“Last year we had over 195 contestants, 700 spectators and raised over $6,000 for Lowcountry Women with Wings – Rising Above Ovarian Cancer. Contestants came from as far as Texas, New York, California & Michigan,” Roof told Charleston Parliament, a popular lowcountry blog.
The image that reportedly led to Roof’s dismissal came from last year’s Beard and Moustache National Championship in New Orleans. According to Roof, he was neither paid for the photo nor does he own it.
After Roof announced his departure from CSU, dozens took to social media to show their support.
“CSU lost one of its best teachers today,” wrote one supporter on Facebook. “I hope their voicemails are inundated with disgruntled students and friends. On behalf of everyone in San Antonio, Texas we would like to tell them that they can kiss our glasses.”
Even Roof’s former students expressed their disappointment in Roof’s reported termination.
“You’re the best professor I had at CSU, and the only one I kept in contact with post graduation,” said one student. “You made the transition from a soldier to a student smooth for me. I learned a lot in your classes, and you were always there to assist me with any issues I had. CSU is losing a great person from their team. Something greater is in store for you!”
As for what officials at Charleston Southern University are saying about the termination—according to The Post & Courier absolutely nothing really.
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CSU should find something to worry about rather than a professor in a beer promotion.