Score a Point for Academic Freedom: Dr. Howell Reinstated by the U of I
An instructor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — dismissed after a student called his explanation of Roman Catholic teaching on homosexuality “hate speech” — is being offered his teaching job back, the university said today.
In making the move, the university also announced it will now pay those teaching Catholic-related courses rather than have them paid by a church group. (Chicago breaking news)
Kenneth Howell was barred last month from teaching two courses in the university’s Religion Department after explaining during class and in an e-mail why the church believes homosexual behavior violates natural moral law.
His case has been taken up by First Amendment advocates and others, and his supporters have created a Facebook page with more than 2,600 people supporting him.
The university released a statement today saying that Howell’s appointment as an adjunct instructor in the Religion Department — teaching Religion 127, Introduction to Catholicism — will be continued for the fall.
A review of whether Howell’s firing by the Religion Department violated his academic freedom is continuing, the university said.
Thank you to everyone who lobbied the University on behalf of Dr. Ken after following the news here on AmP. I am awaiting a statement from Dr. Ken himself, the Diocese of Peoria and the Newman Center, which I will post once I am provided with them.
This is a victory for freedom of speech, and for the freedom of Catholics to teach what the Church teaches in our public square.
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