Dr. Hugo Schwyzer — So-called “Porn Professor” — Resigns from Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College announced the resignation of Dr. Hugo Schwyzer, the controversial so-called “Porn Professor, in a Wednesday morning press release.

Schwyzer’s troubled tenure came to light nationally over a year ago when he began to offer an academic class studying pornography. Since then, Schwyzer’s exploits including episodes he revealed publicly on his blog — including his claims that he tried to commit suicide twice this past summer.

Last month, Schwyzer announced in the blog that he would take a leave from his two-decade-old teaching career indefinitely. He also said he was struggling with a mental illness and had been hospitalized five times this summer.

He also admitted in his blog in early September that he was having sexual relationships with his students. Pasadena City College officials immediately released a statement stating Schwyzer may face termination for violating the school’s policy.

Then last week Schwyzer was arrested for driving under the influence and causing harm to another person in a Northern California car accident. He reportedly admitted guilt. He was given a letter by the college’s attorneys asking him to resign.

Initially, the professor said he had no intention to give up his teaching post before he qualifies for health insurance from CalSTRS which he can use to cover his children, the Pasadena Star-news reported.

“Look, I’m guilty, this is not a news flash. I’m worthy of perhaps being terminated,” Schwyzer told the newspaper, but he went on to say that after 20 years of teaching it was not unreasonable for him to ask the college to forestall his termination until December 31.

Today, the College announced Schwyzer’s resignation in a statement which read:

“This brings to conclusion all matters relating to Dr. Schwyzer’s employment at PCC. The investigation being conducted under the supervision of outside counsel will not proceed any further.  Dr. Schwyzer expresses his appreciation and thanks to his students and colleagues at PCC.”