Former Professor’s Clown Fetish Exposed: Unsettling Behavior Shocks University
A former assistant geography professor at a Louisiana university has raised eyebrows due to his peculiar fascination with clowns. Joseph Tokosh came under scrutiny after student journalists uncovered his unusual behavior, which involved using students as subjects to indulge his fetish for clown-related activities. Tokosh’s actions were shared across various online platforms, shedding light on his inappropriate interactions with students.
Tokosh, who resigned from Nicholls State University in the wake of the revelations, engaged with students both in-person and online, sharing his experiences on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and YouTube. His behavior was recently brought to public attention by a report from USA Today.
In one Reddit post, Tokosh shared images of women with white face paint, and in another, he openly confessed, “I have a facepaint fetish and convince the cute girls in my classes to let me paint their faces.” His online activities revealed his fixation on clowns as well.
Offering Extra Credit for Unconventional Assignments
According to the report, Tokosh offered extra credit to students in exchange for allowing him to paint their faces, a bizarre request that left many students uncomfortable. He encouraged students to share photos of themselves with painted faces, connecting the task to cultural understanding.
Bradley Price, a student at the university, recounted his experience with Tokosh’s unconventional assignment. He explained how he allowed a female friend to paint his face for the assignment, only to find out later about the true intentions behind Tokosh’s actions. Price expressed frustration and disappointment, questioning the university’s oversight in hiring such a professor.
A Troubling Pattern of Behavior
Tokosh’s unsettling behavior was not isolated to his time at Nicholls State University. Prior to his stint there, he had engaged in similar activities at Kent State University, where he even made cash offers to students for the chance to paint their faces. Sophie Levan, a student at Kent State, shared her disturbing encounter with Tokosh, recounting how he persistently pursued her to participate in his face-painting antics. Levan’s discomfort led her to report the incident to the police.
Despite the concerning pattern of behavior and even a previous theft charge, Tokosh’s actions went largely unnoticed by university authorities. The report highlighted the need for improved background checks and vigilance in monitoring faculty members’ online activities.
University Takes Action
Nicholls State University addressed the issue after it came to light, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and security. A spokesperson confirmed that Tokosh’s contract was not renewed, and he is no longer associated with the university.
The unsettling case of Joseph Tokosh serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within educational institutions. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of background checks and the need for universities to proactively monitor their staff’s online behavior.