Former UW Chancellor’s Trial Sparks Debate – Is Porn Free Speech?

A trial date has been set for the former University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow's case against the University. Gow was fired for making pornographic content with his wife. Gow says it violates his free speech rights.

Gow and his wife, Carmen Wilson, created cooking videos with porn stars. The series called "Sexy Healthy Cooking" featured plant-based dishes and recipes with adult film stars Sofie, Marie, Danny Mountain, Mia Malkova, Nina Hartley, Lauren Philips, Tyler Nixon, India Summer, Will Pounder, and Damon Dice.

After the recipes were shared, a link was shared to uncut footage of pornographic material featuring the couple and their guest.

Read More: UW Chancellor Fired After Making Pornographic Videos

Gow says that he and his wife produced the videos on their own time, never mentioned the university, and used pseudonyms. WEAU reports that University President Jay Rothman said the conduct by Doctor Gow subjected the university to significant reputational harm.

The former chancellor says they never told him which specific policy he violated, and also claims he was never allowed to present his case.

The trial date has been set for June 22, 2026. Gow was fired in December of 2023 after nearly 17 years serving as chancellor for UWS- Lacrosse.