IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa’s president has apologized to one offended employee for saying publicly that instructors who aren’t ready to teach their classes should be shot. Bruce Harreld wrote in an email to librarian Lisa Gardinier that his statement to the UI Staff Council was “an unfortunate off-the-cuff remark.” He says he didn’t mean to offend anyone or imply that he supports gun violence in any form.

Harreld writes that he’s used the comment in many forums previously without drawing a complaint. Gardinier says Harreld’s remark came during the Dec. 9 meeting, in response to a staffer’s question about instruction. Gardinier told Harreld the remark was “irresponsible and unprofessional.” She later welcomed his apology, saying she understood his remark to be rhetorical.

Gardinier shared the correspondence with The Associated Press.