A column written by a University of Michigan professor is generating praise and criticism from both sides of the aisle.  Susan Douglas writing that she "hates" Republicans and called for the lot of them in Congress to get out of town.

But are comments like those appropriate from from a college professor?

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The Detroit News is reporting that Douglas, a U of M department chair and professor of Communications Studies posted the comments on In These Times, an independent magazine website.   Since they've generated a firestorm.

"I hate Republicans," Douglas wrote.  "I can't stand the thought of having ot spend the next two years watching Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Ted Cruz, Darrell Issa or any of the legions of other blowhards denying climate change, thwarting immigration reform or championing fetal "personshood..."

Douglas said she hadn't always felt that way.  She said she worked from a Republican in Rhode Island back in the 1970 and enjoyed the experience.   She described Fred Lippitt as a Moderate who was fiscally conservative but progressive about women's rights, racial justice and environmental preservation.   She said his brand of Republican, though, is now extinct., using words to describe the current Congress as rigid, vilifying and ambiguous.

Some, like Bobby Schostak, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, not only take issue with Douglas' statements, but the venue from which she launched her attack.

"The piece by Professor Susan Douglas is ugly and full of hatred, and it should not be tolerated by the University of Michigan," Schostak is quoted as saying.  "The University of Michigan is a respected public institution, funded by taxpayers, and this type of bullying must be addressed by President Mark Schissel."

Schostak is calling on state and national Democrats to address the issue and urge Douglas to resign.  So far, there's been no response.

Join Jo Anne Paul weekdays for news updates on 99.1 WFMK-FM, 100.7 WITL-FM and 1240 WJIM-AM and the other stations of the Michigan Talk Network
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