NC State professor apologizes after suggesting students block FOX News on parents' TV

A North Carolina State University professor has apologized after distributing a document to students that advocated that they block FOX News from the televisions of their parents.

The flier by Dr. Michaela DeSoucey, who works in the university's Sociology Department, caused a stir on social media.

The document is titled, "Things you can do (now or in the near future)," and one of its proposals says students should attempt to restrict their parents' ability to watch the conservative cable news channel.

"FOX News spreads bigotry and hatred," the letter says.

Some N.C. State students began spreading word of the handout on social media, and the online debate quickly turned to whether DeSoucey should have distributed the document.

Stewart Haynes, a junior, said the approach was limiting.

"It's just not comfortable and it's not encouraging for younger kids, especially students that should be learning about all different perspectives," Haynes said.

Other sociology students say they understood where the professor was coming from.

"No, it shouldn't have necessarily been said, but there is a problem and it does have a major effect on our students (and) how things on FOX News are impacting us," said Blaike Bibbs, a senior.

Dr. Jeffery Braden, the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and a psychology professor at the school, said in a written statement Wednesday that DeSoucey regretted her decision.

"Dr. DeSourcey reflected on her actions and realized she had crossed the line between educating and advocating," Braden's statement said. "She has apologized, and we have have accepted her apology. We consider this matter closed."