Mike Adams (columnist) facts for kids

Michael Scott Adams (born October 30, 1964 – died July 23, 2020) was an American writer and professor. He taught criminology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He was known for sharing strong opinions, which often led to public discussions.

He also wrote columns and books. Later in his career, he had disagreements with the university. He was found dead at his home after reaching a retirement agreement with the university.

Early Life and Education

Mike Adams was born on October 30, 1964. His hometown was Columbus, Mississippi. He grew up in Clear Lake City, Texas.

He finished Clear Lake High School in 1983. Then, he earned an associate degree in psychology from San Jacinto College. He continued his studies at Mississippi State University.

At Mississippi State, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. He then got a Master of Science in psychology in 1989. In 1993, he completed his doctorate degree in sociology.

Career as a Professor

In 1993, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) hired Adams. He taught in the criminal justice program there. He continued teaching until July 2020.

He was a popular teacher and won awards. He received the Faculty Member of the Year award in 1998 and again in 2000. Many students enjoyed his classes.

After the September 11 attacks, Adams became more public with his views. He responded to a student's message about U.S. foreign policy. This event brought him attention from groups interested in freedom of speech.

Adams became known for his strong conservative opinions. These views often caused discussions with students and other faculty members. He wrote several books sharing his ideas.

His first book, Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel, came out in 2004. His second book was Feminists Say the Darndest Things. It was published in 2007.

His third book, Letters to a Young Progressive, was published in 2013.

Lawsuit for Promotion

In 2007, Adams was not given a promotion at UNCW. He then sued university officials. He claimed he was treated unfairly because of his Christian beliefs and writings.

He was supported by a legal group called Alliance Defending Freedom. The case went through several courts. Initially, a court sided with the university.

Adams appealed this decision. Other groups, like the American Association of University Professors, supported him. They believed his free speech rights were important.

In 2011, a higher court sent the case back to the first court. This court said Adams' claims about free speech should be looked at again.

In 2014, Adams won his case in a jury trial. This ended a seven-year legal battle. The university appealed, but they later settled the case. As part of the settlement, Adams was promoted to full professor. He also received back pay for the years he had waited.

Retirement from Teaching

In 2016, Adams faced criticism for comments he made about a student. Many colleagues felt it was wrong to discuss students publicly. His online posts and blog often caused controversy.

In June 2020, there was growing public pressure for him to leave UNCW. A Facebook group called Justice for UNCW gained many followers. Several online petitions also called for his removal.

Many professors and students signed a petition. They stated that Adams used his platform to spread hateful speech. They said he used his "free speech" as an excuse.

Through an agreement with the university, Mike Adams was set to retire. His retirement date was August 1, 2020. He was to receive a settlement payment from the university.

Personal Life

Adams was a member of several professional groups. These included the American Society of Criminology. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association.

He became a Christian in 2000. Before that, he was an atheist. This change also led him to switch political parties. He changed from Democrat to Republican.

In 2003, he married Krysten Dyanne Scott. She was a student at UNCW at the time. They later divorced.

Death

On July 23, 2020, police found Adams dead at his home. This was in Wilmington, North Carolina. Police had gone to his home to check on him.

After his death, the UNCW chapter of the Young America's Foundation praised his work. Adams had served as their faculty adviser.

Works

• Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel: Confessions of a Conservative College Professor, 2004.
• Feminists Say the Darndest Things: A Politically Incorrect Professor Confronts "Womyn" on Campus, 2007.
• Letters to a Young Progressive: How to Avoid Wasting Your Time Protesting Things You Don't Understand, 2013.