Mr. Harris, like Ms. Moultry, is specifically referring to Ms Shurtz and branding Ms Shurtz's portrayal of Dr. Tweedy as "willfully ignorant and malicious."  Those are both extreme descriptions and both phrases ascribe motivation to Ms. Shurtz.  If I believed Ms Shurtz was either one, I'd gladly seek out that petition demanding her resignation or dismissal and sign it myself.  Nothing in her thirty years as a respected professor suggests she's "willfully ignorant" about anything.  Did she show poor judgment with her "black makeup" in portraying Dr. Tweedy....Indeed, she did.  Was it "malicious"mockery (as is "blackface")? IMO, no, it was part of a well-intentioned effort to honor Dr. Tweedy and promote others reading his book...an effort which went awry because of her using black make-up and doning an Afro wig in her portrayal.  She has issued a (again, IMO) heartfelt apology.

How about a little understanding, compassion and forgiveness. Then let' work together to make things better..