The American Association of University Professors said it plans to investigative the firing of a University of Missouri professor caught on video intimidating a student journalist—unless the professor is reinstated to her position.

UM fired communications Professor Melissa Click Feb. 25 after she took part in a protest four months earlier in which she and several other university staff and students blocked journalists from covering a student demonstration on the campus green, a public space. Click at one point placed a hand on a student journalist's camera and called for "muscle" to remove the reporter.

After the incident, another video surfaced in which Click swears at police officers trying to disperse student protesters off-campus.

Click later apologized for her actions. However, she became a symbol for conservatives for everything they believe is wrong with liberal "political correctness" on college campuses. More than 120 Missouri state lawmakers—all Republicans—called for the removal of Click and other university staff involved in the protest. The state legislature also proposed trimming Click's salary from UM's budget as part of an $8 million reduction in state spending on the institution.

AAUM didn't delve into the politics behind the firing in its letter to UM's administration. It instead said that "cases of this gravity" generally trigger an investigation by the association and a subsequent report on the investigation's findings.

However, AAUM said that should the Click's termination be rescinded, that would obviate the need for an investigation.

AAUP associate secretary Hans-Joerg Tiede told TV news station KMOX that his association's concern wasn't the reasons why Click was fired, but whether she was treated fairly by the university.

"In general principle that same (idea) applies in the American legal system," he said. "It's not a matter of what you're accused of, whether or not you're entitled to due process." http://cbsloc.al/1pqlC9W

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