Professor tells students to 'Americanize' names because 'this is America'

RALEIGH -- NC State says a professor who made a comment about difficult to pronounce names will apologize.

According to students, Charles Hardin was handing out biochemistry tests when he came to a name he had difficulty reading and made the comment that students should "Americanize" names "because this is America."

A school spokesperson said NC State leadership met with Hardin who admitted making the comment, but said it was made in jest.

"The professor realizes that his statement devalued the heritage of some students and was inappropriate for the classroom or anywhere else on the university's campus," said the spokesperson.

NC State said Hardin will apologize when his class meets Wednesday and the department head will meet with any students who would like to express concerns.