What a poor example; if the reporter is extrapolating from the professor, then she can be excused fro being no stupider than Chris Matthews. But if it's the U. of Cal. prof, then he needs to resign in ignominy.
This is a variation of the Everybody-does-it defense. It is anybody-will-do-it defense. Liberals are notorious for it. You and I know dang well that if someone got into a fist fight at a Tea Party, the news would be plastered everywhere.