White professor i work with is using the N word and i'm on the fence about it.

He is a black studies professor with a PHD from an Ivy league university. He is white, however from the brief conversations we have had outside class, he has been deeply immersed in black culture and i would guess he perhaps grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood. He is a very respectful and passionate professor and i enjoy his classes a lot however i just want to know people's opinions on this topic.<br><br><br>He is using the N word in an academic context to explain historical context. He does not use the "hard r" but i'm on the fence about his judgement to use the word. I understand that it is for academic context however is it needed to use the word at all? I just want to know people's opinions on this topic. All feedback is welcome.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>EDIT: Thanks everyone for your judgement. It seems as if the general consensus is it is OK to use the word in an academic context however it is a very sensitive topic and can be offensive. Most i can i gather is the professor is very respectful and passionate. I still don't think we should be judgemental of anyone's race and who is or isn't allowed to say a word. However it is a very sensitive topic and can be offensive. <br><br>Edit 2: Can we please just keep the comments civil? I don't appreciate any personal attacks. I can feel the hostility in some comments and i don't appreciate it. If you have a different opinion on this topic, that is fine however just be civil and respectful. I can feel the hostility in some people's comments, please be respectful.