Universities Weblog

There's one syllabus at the University of Wisconsin Madison that may have to be revised.

"Islam: Religion and Culture," taught by Kevin Barrett, posits

unpopular opinionsBarrett, a temporary instructor, received his Ph.D. from Madison in 2004 in African languages, literature and folklore. He has taught one other course at Madison, but it was not about Islam. Barrett is a founder of a group called the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth. On that group's Web site, he elaborates on the views that he discussed on the radio, writing, for example, about the "big lie" of 9/11 and of the "compelling evidence" that the attacks were "an inside job."

The comments set off politicians throughout the state, many of whom are calling on the university to immediately fire Barrett. In a typical statement, Wisconsin Rep. Steve Nass, a Republican, said: "This case isn't about academic freedom. I firmly believe this is a case of protecting students from the academic garbage that Mr. Barrett spews." He added that Barrett is "free to stand on the street corner and advocate his nutty left-wing views.

However, the taxpayers and tuition-paying families shouldn't pay this man one cent to perform his voodoo in a UW classroom."

Definitely a powder keg waiting to be ignited. What do you think> Should professors be censored? Or should students be trusted to make up their own minds?

(Photo Source: ISOC)

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