A Georgetown University adjunct professor was captured on undercover video using racist language to describe prominent black conservative figures and disparaging his white colleagues as unintelligent.
Jonathan Franklin, scheduled to instruct students beginning in January 2026, was recorded during what he believed to be a private date.
The footage was obtained by James O’Keefe, who conducted the undercover operation.
Franklin currently holds an adjunct position at Georgetown University.
His upcoming course focuses on journalistic techniques for locating sources and conducting interviews effectively.
Prior to his teaching position, Franklin worked as a correspondent for NPR. His reporting centered on subjects related to race, cultural issues and matters of justice.
The hidden camera footage shows Franklin making derogatory comments about black Americans who hold conservative political views.
He directed particularly harsh language toward Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Franklin referred to Justice Thomas as “the biggest coon of them all” during the recorded conversation.
The professor also addressed conservative commentator Candace Owens in the footage.
Franklin labeled Owens as “annoying” and “another coon” while speaking with the undercover operative.
Franklin accused these conservative figures of compromising their principles for the benefit of white men.
He specifically characterized Owens as a “sellout” during the recorded exchange.
The adjunct professor’s comments extended beyond conservative public figures to his professional environment. Franklin described his university colleagues as a collection of “stupid white people” in the hidden camera footage.
During the undercover conversation, O’Keefe encouraged Franklin to express these views in a public forum.
Franklin declined, stating he would need to abandon his journalism career to articulate what he “really want[s] to say.”
Following the covert recording, O’Keefe approached Franklin and disclosed his true identity.
Franklin initially expressed disbelief that the individual before him was actually O’Keefe.
O’Keefe was not wearing any elaborate disguise during the confrontation, only a pair of glasses.
Despite this minimal alteration to his appearance, Franklin struggled to accept the revelation.
After recognizing the situation, Franklin attempted to leave the scene rapidly.
During his departure, he made physical contact with a cameraman working for O’Keefe Media Group.
Franklin also lost his footing and fell to the ground while attempting to flee from the confrontation. The entire encounter was captured on video.
The course Franklin is assigned to teach beginning in January 2026 carries significant irony given the circumstances. University records indicate the class will instruct students on methods to “find sources and how to interview them effectively.”
O’Keefe highlighted this contradiction in a statement posted to social media. He noted that Georgetown University documentation confirms Franklin’s role teaching students proper interviewing techniques while privately expressing views that conflict with journalistic standards.
“Georgetown University records confirm Franklin is currently teaching students how to ‘interview sources effectively,’ even as he privately uses racial slurs and expresses biases fundamentally incompatible with journalistic ethics,” O’Keefe wrote in a post on X.
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As of the footage’s release, Georgetown University has not issued a public statement regarding Franklin’s recorded comments or his continued employment status with the institution.
