U. Iowa president Sally Mason recently committed the thought crime of acknowledging human nature.

FOX News reports.

Regent blasts University of Iowa president for sex assault remark, lack of communication

The Iowa Board of Regents met behind closed doors Friday afternoon to evaluate the performance of University of Iowa President Sally Mason, who has faced criticism over a remark she made about sexual assault.

Board President Pro Tem Katie Mulholland chastised Mason for her comment that ending sexual assault probably wasn’t realistic “just given human nature.” Mulholland said that comment was inappropriate, and board members were concerned that students continued to find it hurtful.

Mulholland said the board relies on university presidents to ensure student safety, and “that means zero tolerance regarding sexual assault.”

Mason apologized again for the remark, which was published last week in the student newspaper. She announced plans to impose tougher disciplinary sanctions against perpetrators, increase funding for training and prevention initiatives and give more support to victims.

Students who were upset about the university’s handling of sexual assault reports seized on Mason’s comment, forming a group called “Not In My Nature” to demand an apology and push for changes. They argued the comment reflected an attitude among administrators in which assaults are seen as inevitable and sometimes the victims’ fault.

Mulholland accused Mason, who has led the university since 2007, of failing to keep board members informed during the fast-moving events of the past week. She said regents had been frustrated in the past over what she called a pattern of poor communications.

“By failing to communicate with us directly, you gave us no other choice than to have this meeting today,” Mulholland, superintendent of schools for Linn-Mar Community School District, told Mason during a meeting at the board’s office in Urbandale. “Shouldn’t something as public as the events of last week warrant a board discussion and consultation?”