of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University commented on the poll results: "While we can't be sure that 'Jersey Shore' is making people like New Jersey more, it certainly does not seem to be hurting it." In order to corroborate the results of the study, Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind replicated the design in a second national poll in 2011. The results remained constant: 43% of adults who had watched the show had a favorable view of the state, while 41% of adults who had not watched the show had a favorable view. Dr. Peter J. Woolley, executive director of PublicMind added; "These measures alone suggest the show isn't hurting the nations view of the state. In fact, it may be promoting one of the states best features – not Snooki, but the shore itself." Researchers also noted that those who had seen the show, and who were asked whether they had seen the show before being asked their opinion of New Jersey, were more likely than any other group to have a favorable view of the state. The FDU researchers constructed the poll so that half were asked their opinion of New Jersey first and half were asked if they had seen the show first. Transgender portrayal during reunion show The show elicited controversy when during the Jersey Shore reunion show, cast member Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was shown in outtakes flirting and "making out" with a woman in a nightclub who was alleged to be transgender. Multiple cast members on the panel, as well as host Julissa Bermudez, repeatedly referred to the woman as a "tranny", which is a slur for transgender women, while making fun of the woman and "The Situation" for being in that situation with her. LGBT rights organization GLAAD called out MTV and Jersey Shore for using "a dehumanizing and derogatory slur" and said that the incident "requires a swift and genuine public apology." MTV later apologized for airing the offensive segment. References Jersey Shore Mass media-related controversies in the United States Television controversies in the United States Jersey Shore (TV series) Ethnic and racial stereotypes Race-related controversies in television Jersey Shore (TV series)