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Ball State professor at center of controversy won't teach rest of semester

Dr. Shaheen Borna teaches marketing
ball state professor borna.jpg
Posted at 7:16 PM, Feb 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-18 12:50:01-05

MUNCIE — A Ball State professor who's been the center of controversy in recent weeks won't teach for the remainder of the current semester. That's according to Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist for Ball State.

Professor of Marketing Dr. Shaheen Borna touched off a firestorm in January after he called university police to his classroom when a student of color refused a request to change seats.

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"Dr. Borna will not be teaching classes for the remainder of the semester. This decision is in the best interest of Dr. Borna and the University. The Dean of the Miller College of Business, in consultation with the Provost, made this decision to ensure that we provide continuity in the curriculum, eliminate any unnecessary distractions, and help our students complete the appropriate course expectations."

RTV6 asked if Dr. Borna remains a university employee, but Ransford declined to answer.

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A few days after the classroom incident, dozens of students walked out of their classes to stand in solidarity with Sultan Benson, the student involved in the confrontation.

Students groups had been demanding the tenured professor retire and go through sensitivity training