A professor at Illinois' Northwestern University said a controversial after-class sex toy demonstration had educational value.

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Professor John Michael Bailey issued a statement Wednesday saying the Feb. 21 presentation, which he said took place after class and was optional for the 600 students in his Human Sexuality class, was relevant to the subject he was teaching, The Daily Northwestern reported Thursday.

"After all, those still there had stayed for an optional demonstration/lecture about kinky sex and were told explicitly what they were about to see," the statement reads. "The demonstration, which included a woman who enjoyed providing a sexually explicit demonstration using a machine, surely counts as kinky, and hence as relevant."

"I expect many people to disagree with me. Thoughtful discussion of controversial topics is a cornerstone of learning," Bailey said.

Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro released a statement Thursday saying he was "troubled and disappointed by what occurred."

"Although the incident took place in an after-class session that students were not required to attend and students were advised in advance, several times, of the explicit nature of the activity, I feel it represented extremely poor judgment on the part of our faculty member. I simply do not believe this was appropriate, necessary or in keeping with Northwestern University's academic mission," Schapiro said.

He said the incident is being investigated by the school.