Two journalists have attacked freelance writer and part-time university professor Gerald Hannon for expressing his opinion that intergenerational sex is not always automatically abusive.
Ryerson officials have since launched an investigation into Hannon's classroom habits.
The fuss began earlier this month at the Canadian Association of Journalists' Women in Media conference. Toronto Star features writer Judy Steed told a roomful of delegates that they have a responsiblity to stop people from saying things they consider offensive.
Steed made the comments at a panel discussion focussing on "backlash," and went on to say that she had contacted Ryerson Journalism department chair John Miller to ask that professor Hannon be reprimanded for comments he has made about paedophilia. She relayed the details of the conversation.
Miller then stood up to say that his recollection of the conversation differed from Steed's. But the issue was dropped when the journalists in attendance voted to stop the discussion.
Three days later, the Toronto Sun weighed in. Heather Bird has since dedicated her column to getting Hannon fired from his Ryerson job, and the paper has run regular news stories on the issue.
The Sun also ran an editorial cartoon in which a man is bringing a child who appears to be six years old (by their height) into Ryerson, saying: "We also have a wonderful library that's just overflowing with books written by people whose lives became enriched when they were children because of thei r sexual experiences."
Hannon teaches journalism students in their final year of studies. He also sites on the board of directors of Pink Triangle Press, the not-for-profit [company] which publishes Xtra, and writes for the paper.
The journalism department is supporting Hannon. Department chair John Miller could not be reached for comment, as he is out of town because of a family emergency.
Students also appear to be supporting Hannon. "If Ryerson professor Gerald Hannon raised the issue of intergenerational sex in his classroom, it didn't make much of an impression on his students," a Nov 15 Ryersonian news story reads. Student Carolyn Gleeson said: "As a teacher, he's great." Dan Br own was quoted as saying "This is gutter journalism. Instead of debating this intelligently, it's going to turn into another witch-hunt."
Hannon told the Ryersonian he'd mentioned his Globe & Mail feature on the London kiddie porn ring and how he'd covered the story. He also mentioned a six-year obscenity trial (in which he was cleared) involving the story Men Loving Boys Loving Men.
According to the Sun, police are now investigating Hannon because of the 1977 feature, in which he interviewed men who had sex with 12-year-old boys. Hannon also implied that one couple had had sex--an illegal act--within his hearing range.
The Sun's Bird told the Ryersonian that she kept telephoning studets until she found one who agreed to criticize the professor (anonymously).
The battle between Hannon and Steed has a long story. Steed attacked Hannon in her recent book, Our Little Secret, a look at child sexual abuse in Canada.
The National Association Of Gay And Lesbian Journalists (NLGJA) has released a statement supporting Hannon. "The university classroom is a place where any idea can be raised for critical discussion. Indeed, it would be impossible to teach journalism without raising controversial topics--at the very least, to illustrate the role of journalism in public discourse."
Ryerson's president can be reached c/o 250 Victoria, Toronto M5B 1V8. The NLGJA can be reached at (416) 925-XTRA xt 2950.