Being a professor is one of the most respected professions, and young minds rely on them for knowledge, expertise, mentorship, and career. The entire community looks up to teachers for their invaluable contribution to society and the education system.
But what if the same person masks a monstrous truth behind a facade?
The recent case unveils the darkest side of humanity as a professor of a university commits a heinous crime.
On Tuesday night, October 10, 2023, Professor James Andrew Chang (35) from the University of Houston was arrested. The entire campus was in shock when the authorities revealed that Chang possessed child pornography of kids between 8-13 years of age.
Who Is the University of Houston Professor Who Was Arrested?
“One of the best lecturers in the entire campus.”
The reputation preceded the professor as word spread about his conduct and how he helped several students. According to the “Rate My Professor” website, the professor was rated 4.9, where one student even commented on how he shaped their life–
“I love this professor, he gave me so many opportunities to get a better grade outside of class at my house and even helped my son out with his homework as well! He could never sit down properly afterwards though so that was weird, but yeah, I’d highly recommend it!”
James Andrew Chang was a likable professor at the Univesity of Houston, where he engaged with the students on a personal level.
He completed his undergraduate from the University of Houston in 2011, earning his bachelor’s degree in Science.
Chang is proficient in Mathematics, earning his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Houston in 2014. He continued working as a lecturer at the same university in 2018. By 2022, he was promoted to the Assistant Director of Graduate students at the University of Houston.
Why Was Andy Chang, University of Houston Professor, Arrested?
The university experienced a collective whiplash when Chang was arrested by Houston Police Department Crimes Against Children Task Force for possession of child porn.
Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code, states that any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (someone under 18 years of age) is considered child pornography. If the individual is found guilty, they may get sentenced to 10-20 years in prison.
According to KPRC, Chang possessed videos that showed kids between the ages of 8 and 13.
His bond has been set at $500,000. Meanwhile, he is prohibited from being seen anywhere within 1000 feet of children below the age of 17.
The University of Houston issued a statement after the incident, stating–
“The University of Houston is aware of the charges…his employment as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics has been suspended. Any further questions should be directed to the Houston Police Department or Harris County District Attorney’s Office.”
Just a couple of months back, another professor was embroiled in charges of having sexual intercourse with an animal. Penn State Professor Themis Matsoukas was accused of engaging in sexual acts with his own pet dog.
Such cases raise questions of what kind of people are integrated into our society, who we deem as respectable individuals.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think there should be stern background checks on all individuals, regardless of their professions? Let us know in the comments section below.
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