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Johns Hopkins dean calls Ben Carson’s words ‘offensive,’ Carson apologizes

A top official at Johns Hopkins University issued a statement Friday labeling Ben Carson's comments about gay marriage "offensive" and said the school will meet with students who want him removed as commencement speaker.

Carson, meanwhile, offered a fuller apology for the comments, which compared gay marriage to bestiality and pedophilia.

Dr. Paul Rothman, the dean of medical faculty at Johns Hopkins University, said in a statement that Carson's words were offensive but emphasized the school's belief in free speech as well.

"We recognize that tension now exists in our community because hurtful, offensive language was used by our colleague, Dr. Ben Carson, when conveying a personal opinion," Rothman said. "Dr. Carson’s comments are inconsistent with the culture of our institution.

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