A Kansas university today said it has dismissed its debate coach who pulled down his pants during an obscenity-filled shouting match with his counterpart at the University of Pittsburgh during a national debate competition.

Dr. Bill Shanahan, assistant professor of communication studies and coach of the debate program at Fort Hays State, violated the faculty code of ethics, university officials this morning said at the conclusion of their investigation.

Additionally, the school has ordered the campus debate program suspended pending resolution of what the university described as problems with the activity on the national level.

The university this morning confirmed both decisions, which were made by university President Edward H. Hammond, and officials were holding at news conference at the school's campus

"Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, but these actions are not acceptable for someone who is representing our university," Dr. Hammond said in a statement.

Dr. Shanahan, in a statement released by the university, said he appreciated the university's support over the years and hoped the incident wouldn't detract from the Fort Hays debate program and his contributions, "which are far greater than a nine-minute YouTube clip."

"I am terribly sorry that my actions reflected poorly on the university," he said. "However, they must be judged in the unique context of college debate, marked by its passion and rigorous intellectual engagement."

The encounter involving Dr. Shanahan and his counterpart at Pitt, Shanara Reid-Brinkley, erupted in March at a national event sponsored by the Cross Examination Debate Association.

The episode gained widespread attention this month after someone posted a video clip of the encounter on YouTube, prompting investigations by both universities.

Pitt spokesman John Fedele had no immediate comment on this morning's development. Pitt has declined to comment on its own inquiry.

"We are not commenting. If there is anything that happens it will likely be a personnel issue and will be confidential," Mr.Fedele said.

Asked whether a Pitt professor's use of profanity in a public setting would be at odds with university policy, Mr. Fedele had no immediate comment and said he would inquire further.

Attempts to reach Reid-Brinkley were not immediately successful.