Stanford University is clarifying its position on the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions as Dr. Scott Atlas, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, finds himself under fire for comments he made over the weekend.
The school said Monday in a series of tweets that Dr. Atlas "is on a leave of absence from that position."
"Dr. Atlas has expressed views that are inconsistent with the university's approach in response to the pandemic," the university explained in response to requests for comment. "Dr. Atlas' statements reflect his personal views, not those of the Hoover Institution or the university."
Dr. Atlas, a controversial science adviser to Trump, tweeted late Sunday that people should "rise up" after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a number of new restrictions with coronavirus cases in that state soaring. The comments were met with immediate criticism, as the governor has been the target of much ire from far-right groups during the pandemic - including a foiled plot to kidnap her and repeated attacks by the president.
Gov. Whitmer called Dr. Atlas' comments "incredibly reckless," joining several national leaders in doing so. That included President-elect Joe Biden.
Dr. Atlas later tweeted that he "NEVER" would endorse or incite violence.
As a member of President Trump's Coronavirus Task Force, Dr. Atlas has adopted a virus stance similar to that of the president, saying people not wanting schools to open is "hysteria." He's also pushed for the return of college sports.
