Kenneth Howell, adjunct professor and lecturer for nine years with the University of Illinois’ Department of Religion, was fired recently after explaining – in an introductory class on Catholicism — that the Catholic Church believes that homosexual acts are immoral.
A student who was not in the class claimed to be offended by Howell’s statements on homosexuality – calling them ‘hate speech.’
In explaining the application of natural law theory to social issues, Howell wrote in an instructive e-mail to students, “Natural Moral Law says that morality must be a response to REALITY. In other words, sexual acts are only appropriate for people who are complementary, not the same.”
The student complained to the head of the Religion Department that, “Teaching a student about the tenets of a religion is one thing. Declaring that homosexual acts violate the natural laws of man is another. The courses at this institution should be geared to contribute to the public discourse and promote independent thought; not limit one’s worldview and ostracize people of a certain sexual orientation.”
Howell said, “My responsibility on teaching a class on Catholicism is to teach what the Catholic Church teaches. I have always made it very, very clear to my students they are never required to believe what I’m teaching and they’ll never be judged on that.”
David French, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, said university cannot censor professors’ speech simply because some students find that speech offensive.
“Professors have the freedom to challenge students and to educate them by exposing them to different views,” he said. “The Alliance Defense Fund is working with professor Howell because the defense of academic freedom is essential on the university campus.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read the Alliance Defense Fund’s letter to the University of Illinois.
Visit ADF’s “Speak Up” website, designed to equip Americans to protect and promote religious rights at public universities.
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- University Professor Reinstated; Cautious Victory for Free Speech and Academic Freedom
- Some College Presidents Organize to Press Gay Agenda
- Marriage Testimony in California Calls Religion a ‘Hindrance’
- Pro-Family Leader Uninvited Because of Stance on Homosexuality
- Grant Will Help in Fight for Religious Freedom on Campus
