Those who fail to learn history, are doomed to repeat it. Sodom Gohmorah comes to mind.
NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University released a statement after one of its assistant professors gave a controversial interview defending people attracted to children.
In the interview Dr. Allyn Walker concluded that it is “never OK to abuse a child,” but argued that there is no morality attached to attraction towards children as long as it isn’t acted on.
Walker is an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice. The interview revolved around their book, “A Long Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity.”
“Having an attraction to minors, as long as it isn’t acted on, doesn’t mean that the person who has those attractions is doing something wrong,” Walker told the Prostasia Foundation. “People with a sexual attraction to minors would cause a lot of harm if they acted on it, but there is a big difference between these people and pedophiles.”
An academic community plays a valuable role in the quest for knowledge. A vital part of this is being willing to consider scientific and other empirical data that may involve controversial issues and perspectives. Following a recent interview that gained national attention, Dr. Allyn Walker has released the following statement.
“I want to be clear: child sexual abuse is an inexcusable crime. As an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice, the goal of my research is to prevent crime. My work is informed by my past experience and advocacy as a social worker counseling victims. I embarked on this research in hopes of gaining understanding of a group that, previously, has not been studied in order to identify ways to protect children.”
Following recent social media activity and direct outreach to the institution, it is important to share that Old Dominion does not endorse or promote crimes against children or any form of criminal activity.