'Non-Binary' ODU Instructor Who Sought to 'Destigmatize' Pedophilia RESIGNS
Allyn Walker, the Old Dominion University assistant professor who sparked a firestorm this month over her views on "minor attraction" has resigned.
On November 9, Walker, a biological female who identifies as non-binary, sat down for an interview with now-infamous group Prostasia – a registered 503c which many have called "pro-pedophile" for their stances on legalizing child-like sex dolls and "artistic" child pornography, as well as routinely comparing pedophilia to a sexuality.
Walker's interview was focused on her recently-released book titled "A Long, Dark Shadow: Minor Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity."
In the Prostasia interview, Walker states the term "minor attracted people" should be used out of consideration for pedophile's feelings, noting "... I think it’s important to use terminology for groups that members of that group want others to use for them." She goes on to state that "MAP advocacy groups like B4U-Act have advocated for use of the term, and they’ve advocated for it primarily because it’s less stigmatizing than other terms like pedophile."
4W has previously covered the group B4U-Act, which was founded by convicted multi-child rapist Michael Melsheimer for the explicit purposes of normalizing pedophilia and distracting from prevention efforts. In Melsheimer's own words, he wanted to ensure B4U-Act was never associated with the "prevention of offending."
Melsheimer died in 2010, but is considered a respected member of the "boy love community" to this day.
Following 4W's breaking coverage on Walker's interview, the instructor's work quickly came under international backlash. Copies of Walker's PhD dissertation began to circulate, showing Walker had entertained theories regarding allowing pedophiles to access "high quality child pornography" in belief it may reduce offending.
On November 16, the public outrage swelled to a fever pitch, and Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill notified the public that Walker had been placed on administrative leave.
Today, a joint statement announced that Walker was resigning from ODU. In it, Walker blamed media as well as transphobia for "mischaracterizing" her work.
In the short statement, Walker is quoted as saying "My scholarship aims to prevent child sexual abuse ... That research was mischaracterized by some in the media and online, partly on the basis of my trans identity."
Walker is on contract with ODU until May of 2022, but will remain on leave until that time.
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