Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Mirecki Apologizes for E-Mail
At lot has been made in Kansas about an e-mail religious studies professor Paul Mirecki posted on a Yahoo listserv about a class he plans to teach next semester titled, "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design and Creationism."
"The fundies want it all taught in a science class," Mirecki wrote. "But this will be a nice slap in their big, fat face by teaching it as a religious studies class under the category `mythology.'''
Now, Mirecki has apologized.
"My words in the e-mail do not represent my teaching philosophy or the style I use in class," says Paul Mirecki of his e-mail. "I have assured the provost of the university that I will teach the course according to the standards this university rightfully expects - as a serious academic subject and in a manner that respects all points of view."
The religious studies department has formally approved the course, although the original title was changed by removing the words, "and other Religious Mythologies."
KU Provost David Shulenburger hasn't backed down in the face of vociferous criticism from right-wing legislators who have threatened the university's funding. "Given the current national debate," says Shulenburger, "it is especially appropriate that intelligent design and creationism be treated as academic subjects in a university-level religious studies class."
"The fundies want it all taught in a science class," Mirecki wrote. "But this will be a nice slap in their big, fat face by teaching it as a religious studies class under the category `mythology.'''
Now, Mirecki has apologized.
"My words in the e-mail do not represent my teaching philosophy or the style I use in class," says Paul Mirecki of his e-mail. "I have assured the provost of the university that I will teach the course according to the standards this university rightfully expects - as a serious academic subject and in a manner that respects all points of view."
The religious studies department has formally approved the course, although the original title was changed by removing the words, "and other Religious Mythologies."
KU Provost David Shulenburger hasn't backed down in the face of vociferous criticism from right-wing legislators who have threatened the university's funding. "Given the current national debate," says Shulenburger, "it is especially appropriate that intelligent design and creationism be treated as academic subjects in a university-level religious studies class."
