UC Berkeley professor forced to issue groveling apology after telling students to 'get out of the Bay Area if you want a girlfriend' - claiming EVERYWHERE else on the planet is better 'for that'

A Berkeley professor has been forced to apologize after insulting the women of the Bay Area by telling a student asking for advice to 'get out if you want a girlfriend.'

Jonathan Shewchuk, 55, who teaches computer science at the state-funded school, was on an online discussion board answering a question on how to find companionship.

'If you want a girlfriend, get out of the Bay Area. Almost everywhere else on the planet is better for that,' he wrote. 

The university confirmed Shewchuk's comments were real. He has taught at the school since 1998.

'I'm not kidding at all. You'll be shocked by the stark differences in behavior of women in places where women are plentiful versus their behavior within artillery distance of San Jose and San Francisco,' he added.

Jonathan Shewchuk, who teaches computer science at the state-funded school, was on an online discussion board answering a question on how to find companionship

Shewchuk was forced to apologize after Berkeley computer science department chair Stuart Russell and electrical engineering and computer science chair Claire Tomlin spoke with him.

'I apologize for my reply...which has caused bad feelings I did not intend,' he wrote on the same forum later.

'I did not mean to convey any disrespect for women, or anybody else, nor to blame the blameless. I value all of my students. I am sorry for my words and for how it made many of you feel.' 

He went on to suggest his intentions were good and meant to help a student who needed advice, according to SFGate.

'I hope you'll understand my comment was motivated by sympathy for [the student] and a desire to help students. Life is hard sometimes. I feel for all of you who are having a rough time, for whatever reason. Things can get better, and it starts with empathy for each other.'

A spokesman for the school slammed Shewchuk's comments.

'We want to be absolutely clear that the offensive content of the original post goes against the values and Principles of Community we adhere to at UC Berkeley,' said Roqua Montez. 

'The comment was hurtful and threatening to students - particularly women - in his class and beyond.' 

The university confirmed Shewchuk's comments were real. He has taught at the school since 1998 (pictured with wife) 

Shewchuk was forced to apologize after Berkeley computer science department chair Stuart Russell and electrical engineering and computer science chair Claire Tomlin spoke with him

He suggested his intentions were good and meant to help a student who needed advice

According to the school publication The Daily Cal, Shewchuk is known for what students describe as 'offensive' and 'misogynistic' comments.   

They reported that Shewchuk removed comments mocking pronouns from a public profile after the controversy.

In the joke, he said he identifies as a 'Smith & Wesson 460XVR .45 caliber revolver' and uses the pronouns 'death/deathem/deathself.' 

Noemi Chulo, a former student and union representative, says she's drafting a grievance against him.

'Shewchuk is teaching around 700 students and he is allowed to have this impact on so many students even though he has been a known thorn in the side of EECS for years at the very least,' Chulo said. 

'It is disappointing, but not surprising.' 

DailyMail.com has reached out to Professor Shewchuk for comment.