Atheist professor fired (forwarded from Jim Farmelant)

[Louis Proyect <lnp3@xxxxxxxxx>]

KANSAS FIRES FREETHINKER PROFESSOR

Texans know Fred Whitehead, Ph.D. from his talk on Freethought history at
the 1999 Atheist Alliance convention and his research into Comfort's German
Freethinkers. Fred is an outspoken advocate of freethought nationally and
at his university. It got him fired last week from his Kansas University
professorship in medical humanities after 21 years of teaching.

His "research does not fit the mission of the Medical School," said Dr.
Deborah Powell, Executive Dean of the School.

"This is surely the most extensive peer review in the entire history of the
University," Whitehead responded. "The Medical Center has many
religion-based events, such as an annual Religion and Medicine symposium.
Yet last November, when I sponsored a national conference at this center on
the Evolution Controversy, I was harassed by two administrators. My
subsequent proposal that I work in the field of science education in Kansas
has been rejected by the University. There is a clear pattern of favoritism
for religious expression, while a secular humanist like me is dismissed
entirely."

On his complaint to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
Whitehead listed his religion as "Freethinker." His religious belief not
being accommodated is "academic freedom." Whitehead thus continues the
American intellectual tradition of Thomas Paine and Robert Ingersoll.

More than 150 letters of support have arrived at Kansas University from 34
States and 11 nations.


Louis Proyect
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