Frank J. Rybicki, assistant professor of mass media at Valdosta State University, did the equivalent last week when he shut the laptop of a student who was allegedly web surfing as opposed to taking notes. That article quoted students who saw the incident as saying that Rybicki closed the laptop amid an argument with the student over his view that she had been on websites not related to the course. The student began to argue with Dr. Rybicki about closing the laptop and about the websites she visited while in class. Asked if he had ever caused physical harm to any student, he said "absolutely not, never." The comments from those saying that they were in class suggested doubt about the extent of the injuries to the student's fingers and surprise that the incident had led to an arrest. They told students to keep up with readings, but wouldn’t give them any information about who would be teaching the classes from now on, Drakeford said. “The university is investigating an incident involving a faculty member and this matter will be processed through the appropriate legal channels,” according to an official statement from the university sent from Boyd. “In terms of class instruction, modifications have been made,” according to the statement. “All employees are expected to perform their obligations and responsibilities in a professional manner,” the statement expressed. “Additionally, employees are governed by the policies and procedures of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and Valdosta State University.” 
 
 Many students are concerned about the future of Rybicki’s classes and losing the professor. C. Do what the teacher says for half a second; he/she probably knows more than you do so grow up and take some responsibilities; College isn’t another episode of High School where you can get away with being a distraction; some people here WANT to learn, if you don’t care, ... then get out! As for what reportedly happened in class, Logan said that an arrest "was not justified because he is a great teacher and she was on Facebook, when we know not to be on other sites while the teacher is teaching." “If he does get fired, VSU has lost a great professor.”
– A professor who got fed up with a student surfing the Internet instead of taking notes has been arrested and suspended for closing her laptop. Frank Rybicki, a professor of mass media at Valdosta State University, was arrested for battery after the student complained that her finger had been hurt when he closed the computer. The professor tells Inside Higher Ed that the Georgia university has told him not to discuss the incident, although he stresses that he has never harmed a student. Other students say the student who filed charges had been warned to stop looking at Facebook and other sites during lectures. They described Rybicki as an outstanding professor who cares deeply about his students and their grades. Rybicki "is one of the best teachers in the mass media system,” one student tells the VSU Spectator. “The school should stand behind him. It’s a disgrace that we’ll lose a great teacher that I don’t think we should lose.”