Highland Heights, KY (LifeNews.com) -- A British literature professor at Northern Kentucky University who led several students in vandalizing a pro-life cross display meant to memorialize those babies who have died from the 47 million abortions nationwide has been placed on leave. Dr. Sally Jacobson also plans to retire at the end of the semester.

Jacobson will not return to the school after admitting that she told several students in her late Wednesday class that they had the right o trash the display.

Less than an hour later she led the students in destroying the display and was caught on camera by a reporter from the student newspaper destroying a sign accompanying the pro-life display.

University president James Votruba also issued a statement saying Jacobson's actions were outside her employment.

"While the University supports the right to free speech and vigorous debate on public issues, we cannot condone infringement of the rights of others to express themselves in an orderly manner," the statement read.

In the letter, Votruba said, "One of the important roles that a university must play is to be a forum for debate and analysis concerning the important issues of the day."

"Often these issues are surrounded by strident rhetoric and strong emotions, which makes it even more incumbent on the university to create and nurture an intellectual environment in which reason and evidence prevail and where all points of view can be heard," he added.

Jacobson had taught at the university for 27 years prior to her departure over the vandalism incident.

Katie Walker, a member of Northern Right to Life, the student pro-life group that set up the cross display, said she would like to see anyone involved in tearing them down prosecuted.

"I just hope they're held accountable for their actions," Walker told the Associated Press.