University officials review report professor promoted moon landing conspiracy

<p>William Paterson University officials say that they are looking into a report that a professor was telling students the moon landing was faked and promoting other conspiracy theories.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 13, 2018, 11:36 AM

Updated 2,155 days ago

Share:

William Paterson University officials say that they are looking into a report that a professor was telling students the moon landing was faked and promoting other conspiracy theories.
Freshman student Benny Koval, of Fair Lawn, says she raised concerns after sociology professor Clyde Magarelli said things in class that she says made her and others uncomfortable.
School officials are reviewing videos of the lectures. One video apparently shows Magarelli telling students that landing someone on the moon was impossible.
Magarelli also spoke about the Holocaust and slavery, according to some of the other videos sent to News 12 New Jersey.
A spokesperson for the university says in a statement to News 12, “A review of this matter is underway to determine what action may be warranted. Our commitment to academic excellence is addressed in one of the University's five core values:  ‘As individuals and as an institution, we seek to model and to impart to our students the highest standards of knowledge, inquiry, preparation, academic freedom and integrity, as well as an expanded sense of what an individual can accomplish.’”
Koval says she was told Magarelli previously had complaints filed against him.
Magarelli - who has taught at William Paterson since 1967 - did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

1:55
Warm and sunny in Connecticut; rain returns Wednesday

Warm and sunny in Connecticut; rain returns Wednesday

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

0:30
CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

1:43
Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

1:05
National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

0:36
Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown