ANN ARBOR (WWJ) -- The University of Michigan has opened an investigation into alleged "lewd" and "disgusting" messages sent by Regent Jordan Acker regarding a student.
In a statement, Regent Chair Mark Bernstein said that the university is aware of the messages allegedly sent by Regent Acker in Slack, which is a team communication platform designed for workplaces.
Officials said the reported comments, discussing a student's sex life, were allegedly sent by Acker in a group chat, and included a photo of the student.
The board is looking into the matter.
The complete statement reads:
"The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs has reviewed the recently-published report concerning Regent Acker’s communications on social media.
"The reports allege that he divulged private information about a University of Michigan student on an open Slack channel with his colleagues. In this communication he is reported to have lewdly and misogynistically speculated on the student’s sexual activity and posted her picture.
"The conduct described in this report is disgusting, a violation of trust and professional standards, and unbecoming of the high office to which Regent Acker has been elected. If these allegations are true, Regent Acker should resign his position immediately."
Reports say that Acker has denied sending the messages, calling them fake or "doctored."
The report came out two days before the Democratic State Convention, where Acker was not put up for reelection.
