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MERGED Instructor of Catholicism at UI claims loss of job violates academic freedom
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Katie727
Guest
HI everyone,
Though this was an unfortunate and messy situation, I am proud of how my University in general eventually responded to the problem. From my research, and according to Dr. Ken (as he is commonly called), it looks like, at its core, this was a difference of opinion among 3 or 4 individuals: Dr. Ken, his boss, Dr. McKim, the Head of the Department of Religion, the anonymous student who sent the e-mail, and the person whom he or she was writing on behalf of. Things just got blown up way out of proportion. In the beginning, the wider University was not involved, and when they were, it certainly appears that they took time to thoughtfully consider the issues at hand. While some issue are not fully clear yet, I am very happy for Dr. Ken, the Newman Center, and all the students and other individuals who stood up for him, and for our rights as Catholic students at a secular university. Victory!! (At least apparently)
:clapping::clapping:
I am also very proud to be an ILLINI, particularly at this moment. My University has apparently done the right thing, and I think that this shows great promise for our new President, Dr. Mike Hogan. In a form letter response to protesters, among other courteous statements, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic freedom, and said that he was taking time to look into the issue. It appears that he and the University have!
Thank you all so much for your support on this issue. I have drawn strength and encouragement through comments on this forum. I know that we have not been alone in our fight to reinstate Dr. Ken. But I ask you to please continue to pray for all of us at the University, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Also, for Catholics and members of the LBGT community throughout the world. We need healing, peace and understanding. Only when we can communicate more effectively and lovingly with one another , can we begin to bridge the gap of understanding between us.
As confirmation of the happy event, I would like to share with you two messages: the first from Msgr. Ketcham, Director and Head Chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Illinois, and a man I greatly respect and admire; The second, a press release from the Diocese of Peoria. Both are below.
God bless,
Katie Class of ‘11
Dear Friends of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center,
I want to share with you how the conversations that have taken place between our Newman Center and the University of Illinois have recently borne fruit. I invite you to read the public statement from the Diocese of Peoria found below. Thank you for your patience with us during the confusion of recent weeks—your support has been greatly appreciated as we strived to do what was necessary to defend our tradition, chart our future, and retain a healthy relationship with the University of Illinois.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham
Director and Head Chaplain
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center
at the University of Illinois
Statement from the Diocese of Peoria
NEWS RELEASE
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria
309-671-1550
July 30, 2010
DIOCESE OF PEORIA CONFIRMS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS’ DECISION
TO REHIRE CATHOLIC PROFESSOR KENNETH HOWELL
For Immediate Release
PEORIA- The University of Illinois has confirmed with officials from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria that they will comply with the Diocese’s request that Dr. Kenneth Howell be allowed to teach courses at the University. Chancellor, Patricia M. Gibson, stated, “The Diocese of Peoria has met with and had several discussions with the University of Illinois officials since their decision in May to terminate Dr. Howell’s ability to teach at the University. We have had several meetings and discussions with University officials and are very pleased that the outcome of these efforts resulted in a return of Dr. Kenneth Howell to the classroom.
“In recent years, Dr. Howell has done an excellent job teaching at the University and both Monsignor Gregory Ketcham, Director of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center, and Diocesan representatives staunchly advocated that he remain the adjunct professor of courses in Catholicism.” Gibson further stated, “The University of Illinois also wishes to consult with St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese in the future regarding these courses.
“St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese of Peoria adamantly embrace the whole of Catholic teaching as decreed by the Magisterium of the Church. The University of Illinois has indicated that they value a relationship with the Newman Center and plan to continue to offer these courses in Catholic studies. They have also asked that they be allowed the freedom to pay Dr. Howell’s salary for instructing these courses and this decision was met with no objection from the Diocese, the Newman Center, or the Alliance Defense Fund, which has been actively involved in assisting Dr. Kenneth Howell in this matter.”
Gibson further stated, “Most Reverend Daniel Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, is immensely grateful that the University of Illinois was willing to listen to our concerns and has decided to act in what he believes is a very appropriate manner in allowing Dr. Kenneth Howell to return to the classroom. St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese of Peoria have had a rare and proven relationship with the University of Illinois for decades and we look forward to further discussions with them as we chart our future, and maintain a healthy relationship. Overall, it is important that we work together to determine how St. John’s Catholic Newman Center can best serve the University and the Catholic students there.”
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center intends to meet with Dr. Howell next week to determine an ongoing role for him at the Newman Center which will complement his work teaching at the University.
Though this was an unfortunate and messy situation, I am proud of how my University in general eventually responded to the problem. From my research, and according to Dr. Ken (as he is commonly called), it looks like, at its core, this was a difference of opinion among 3 or 4 individuals: Dr. Ken, his boss, Dr. McKim, the Head of the Department of Religion, the anonymous student who sent the e-mail, and the person whom he or she was writing on behalf of. Things just got blown up way out of proportion. In the beginning, the wider University was not involved, and when they were, it certainly appears that they took time to thoughtfully consider the issues at hand. While some issue are not fully clear yet, I am very happy for Dr. Ken, the Newman Center, and all the students and other individuals who stood up for him, and for our rights as Catholic students at a secular university. Victory!! (At least apparently)
:clapping::clapping:I am also very proud to be an ILLINI, particularly at this moment. My University has apparently done the right thing, and I think that this shows great promise for our new President, Dr. Mike Hogan. In a form letter response to protesters, among other courteous statements, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic freedom, and said that he was taking time to look into the issue. It appears that he and the University have!
Thank you all so much for your support on this issue. I have drawn strength and encouragement through comments on this forum. I know that we have not been alone in our fight to reinstate Dr. Ken. But I ask you to please continue to pray for all of us at the University, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Also, for Catholics and members of the LBGT community throughout the world. We need healing, peace and understanding. Only when we can communicate more effectively and lovingly with one another , can we begin to bridge the gap of understanding between us.
As confirmation of the happy event, I would like to share with you two messages: the first from Msgr. Ketcham, Director and Head Chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Illinois, and a man I greatly respect and admire; The second, a press release from the Diocese of Peoria. Both are below.
God bless,
Katie Class of ‘11
Code:
Statement from Msgr. Gregory KetchamI want to share with you how the conversations that have taken place between our Newman Center and the University of Illinois have recently borne fruit. I invite you to read the public statement from the Diocese of Peoria found below. Thank you for your patience with us during the confusion of recent weeks—your support has been greatly appreciated as we strived to do what was necessary to defend our tradition, chart our future, and retain a healthy relationship with the University of Illinois.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham
Director and Head Chaplain
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center
at the University of Illinois
Statement from the Diocese of Peoria
NEWS RELEASE
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria
309-671-1550
July 30, 2010
DIOCESE OF PEORIA CONFIRMS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS’ DECISION
TO REHIRE CATHOLIC PROFESSOR KENNETH HOWELL
For Immediate Release
PEORIA- The University of Illinois has confirmed with officials from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria that they will comply with the Diocese’s request that Dr. Kenneth Howell be allowed to teach courses at the University. Chancellor, Patricia M. Gibson, stated, “The Diocese of Peoria has met with and had several discussions with the University of Illinois officials since their decision in May to terminate Dr. Howell’s ability to teach at the University. We have had several meetings and discussions with University officials and are very pleased that the outcome of these efforts resulted in a return of Dr. Kenneth Howell to the classroom.
“In recent years, Dr. Howell has done an excellent job teaching at the University and both Monsignor Gregory Ketcham, Director of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center, and Diocesan representatives staunchly advocated that he remain the adjunct professor of courses in Catholicism.” Gibson further stated, “The University of Illinois also wishes to consult with St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese in the future regarding these courses.
“St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese of Peoria adamantly embrace the whole of Catholic teaching as decreed by the Magisterium of the Church. The University of Illinois has indicated that they value a relationship with the Newman Center and plan to continue to offer these courses in Catholic studies. They have also asked that they be allowed the freedom to pay Dr. Howell’s salary for instructing these courses and this decision was met with no objection from the Diocese, the Newman Center, or the Alliance Defense Fund, which has been actively involved in assisting Dr. Kenneth Howell in this matter.”
Gibson further stated, “Most Reverend Daniel Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, is immensely grateful that the University of Illinois was willing to listen to our concerns and has decided to act in what he believes is a very appropriate manner in allowing Dr. Kenneth Howell to return to the classroom. St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the Diocese of Peoria have had a rare and proven relationship with the University of Illinois for decades and we look forward to further discussions with them as we chart our future, and maintain a healthy relationship. Overall, it is important that we work together to determine how St. John’s Catholic Newman Center can best serve the University and the Catholic students there.”
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center intends to meet with Dr. Howell next week to determine an ongoing role for him at the Newman Center which will complement his work teaching at the University.
J
Joe_5859
Guest
Welcome to CAF, Katie! 
Are you signed up for Dr. Ken’s class? 
Katie posted the press release from SJCNC and the Diocese of Peoria in its entirety I believe. For those interested, here is the link:
sjcnc.org/news.aspx#20107301721016320763248238
It doesn’t mention anything about Dr. Howell needing to disavow any relationship from the Newman Center. Perhaps that is not true? Here’s hoping!
Are you signed up for Dr. Ken’s class? Katie posted the press release from SJCNC and the Diocese of Peoria in its entirety I believe. For those interested, here is the link:
sjcnc.org/news.aspx#20107301721016320763248238
It doesn’t mention anything about Dr. Howell needing to disavow any relationship from the Newman Center. Perhaps that is not true? Here’s hoping!
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1holycatholic
Guest
The university is offering Dr. Howell $10,000 per semester provided he "cuts all ties with the Newman Center." Dr. Howell is still vulnerable to the same situation that got him discharged in the first place.
It would be more financially lucrative (and less intellectually stifling) for him to work at Golden Corral.
The faculty of The School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at the University of Illinois who are responsible for this embarrassing display of bigotry against Dr. Howell should be summarily dismissed.
It would be more financially lucrative (and less intellectually stifling) for him to work at Golden Corral.
The faculty of The School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at the University of Illinois who are responsible for this embarrassing display of bigotry against Dr. Howell should be summarily dismissed.
D
Dale_M
Guest
I’m not sure that is correct. The blogger is basing his claim on a conversation he had with a reporter for the Champaign-Urbana newspaper. However, if you read the newspaper’s lengthy article about Dr. Howell’s rehiring, it makes no mention of such a provision.
What it does mention is that the University is severing ties with the Newman Center. I wonder if the blogger misunderstood what the reporter told him. After all, I don’t see how a university can dictate the social and business contacts of its staff.
M
Mimi
Guest
Thanks for posting & providing info, Katie727!!
I hope Dr Ken has a wonderful academic year and will keep us posted from time to time on facebook.
Peace,
Mimi
I hope Dr Ken has a wonderful academic year and will keep us posted from time to time on facebook.
Peace,
Mimi
P
Phil_Stone
Guest
First, its not to clear how many sections/students are being taught. THis many not be a full time job, and one cannot expect full time pay for a part time job, especially in academics.
Secondly, discussion of Dr Howell severing ties with Newman would have to be academic rather than religious.
The whole matter may come down to a difference of views about what/ how a class in Catholic thought is to be taught. If that doesnt seem to make sense, consider these points:
The point is that to claim it is just a matter of a Catholic being fired for teaching Catholicism oversimplifies the issues involved in teaching such a class at a public university. After all, it is a place where condoms are freely available, not a Catholic seminary.
Secondly, discussion of Dr Howell severing ties with Newman would have to be academic rather than religious.
The whole matter may come down to a difference of views about what/ how a class in Catholic thought is to be taught. If that doesnt seem to make sense, consider these points:
- A few year ago there was a growing interest in teaching The Bible in public schools. While evangelists had long wanted to do this, the new interest was from English teachers who saw The Bible, not only as great literature, but as a cultural document which gave content to other literature written at times when people were expected to know The Bible. So there was movement for Bible as literature classes to study the Bible. So the evangelists should have been happy? Except that the english teachers were submitting The Bible to the same sorts of criticism they applied to other texts, including questioning the morality of the characters presented, including God of course. Rather than telling students to simply accept the Bible as true, the english teachers actually expected the students to criticize the Bible.
- A while back Pope John Paul II declared that a matter (female priests, or marriage for priests, I don’t recall precisely) was a settled matter for the Church, and was no longer an appropriate subject for discussion. The Catholic theologians at the Seminarys understood that they were to drop the subject and move on to other things. But a fellow teaching at a Catholic high school, (it might have been in Joliet) allowed a discussion of the topic in his class, and was fired because The Pope had said the matter was closed.
- I have read that Dr Howell had petitioned to have his class (paid for by the Church but offered through the University to its students) certified as meeting the Vatican’s standards for a class in Catholicism.
The point is that to claim it is just a matter of a Catholic being fired for teaching Catholicism oversimplifies the issues involved in teaching such a class at a public university. After all, it is a place where condoms are freely available, not a Catholic seminary.
K
Katie727
Guest
Thank you very much for your warm welcome Joe and Mimi!! I’m excited to be part of this forum.
And Joe thank you very much for including the link. I didn’t include one because I received this information via e-mail. Yes, last night I registered for Dr. Ken’s class, Intro to Catholicism after learning that the university was willing to reinstate him. Contrary to what has been stated previously based on,suntimes.com/news/metro/2…prof30.article “The class, she said, has been full since registration started in the spring,” the class is not full, which makes me think that the author of this article might not have entirely accurate information. Admittedly, it’s a very small point and the author is quoting someone else, but it might show that he or she did not or could not fact check on the small things, and a journalist should be accurate on the small things as well as the big things. So I don’t think I can believe absolutely everything of what journalists say at this point until there is more substantiated information. Especially since this is so early on, journalists could be putting their own spin on the info.
Incidentally, the class currently doesn’t have an instructor yet. The registration information says that an instructor is “TBA.” As a side note, my brother took this class with Dr. Ken years ago when it was first offered.
Yes, I would agree that the University ‘s relationship with the Newman Center appears to be far from over, if we are to believe the statements of the Diocese and Msgr. Ketcham. Basically, I don’t think we have all the information yet. Reportedly, the University has offered Dr. Ken $10,000 to teach the class, but we don’t know whether or not the Diocese will continue to offer him additional payment. After all, they were the ones who funded the position for decades. From all indications, it appears that they still have a lot to work out, but at least the University is willing to work with the Newman Center. The press statement from the Diocese states that the University wanted to take over the funding of the course, that that no one from the Diocese or the Newman Center objected to it, and that the University wanted to consult with the Newman Center about how future courses would be taught. What all this means, I don’t know, but we will just have to wait and see. It could mean the University wants to interfere on how instructors choose to teach Catholic classes, but not necessarily.
Phil, you make a good point that this is not a Catholic university, but a public institution. Therein lies the controversy. As much as I love the school, the academia at the University is very liberal when it comes to homosexuality. Especially my own major, Human Development and Family Studies. It can be quite awkward for me at times. I know they mean very well, but at times my education doesn’t coincide with the teachings of the Church. In other ways, though, it’s a great education that has definitely expanded my horizons even if I don’t always agree with what I’m being taught.
And Joe thank you very much for including the link. I didn’t include one because I received this information via e-mail. Yes, last night I registered for Dr. Ken’s class, Intro to Catholicism after learning that the university was willing to reinstate him. Contrary to what has been stated previously based on,suntimes.com/news/metro/2…prof30.article “The class, she said, has been full since registration started in the spring,” the class is not full, which makes me think that the author of this article might not have entirely accurate information. Admittedly, it’s a very small point and the author is quoting someone else, but it might show that he or she did not or could not fact check on the small things, and a journalist should be accurate on the small things as well as the big things. So I don’t think I can believe absolutely everything of what journalists say at this point until there is more substantiated information. Especially since this is so early on, journalists could be putting their own spin on the info.
Incidentally, the class currently doesn’t have an instructor yet. The registration information says that an instructor is “TBA.” As a side note, my brother took this class with Dr. Ken years ago when it was first offered.
Yes, I would agree that the University ‘s relationship with the Newman Center appears to be far from over, if we are to believe the statements of the Diocese and Msgr. Ketcham. Basically, I don’t think we have all the information yet. Reportedly, the University has offered Dr. Ken $10,000 to teach the class, but we don’t know whether or not the Diocese will continue to offer him additional payment. After all, they were the ones who funded the position for decades. From all indications, it appears that they still have a lot to work out, but at least the University is willing to work with the Newman Center. The press statement from the Diocese states that the University wanted to take over the funding of the course, that that no one from the Diocese or the Newman Center objected to it, and that the University wanted to consult with the Newman Center about how future courses would be taught. What all this means, I don’t know, but we will just have to wait and see. It could mean the University wants to interfere on how instructors choose to teach Catholic classes, but not necessarily.
Phil, you make a good point that this is not a Catholic university, but a public institution. Therein lies the controversy. As much as I love the school, the academia at the University is very liberal when it comes to homosexuality. Especially my own major, Human Development and Family Studies. It can be quite awkward for me at times. I know they mean very well, but at times my education doesn’t coincide with the teachings of the Church. In other ways, though, it’s a great education that has definitely expanded my horizons even if I don’t always agree with what I’m being taught.
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Mimi
Guest
Katie,
It’s always interesting to have the point of view of one who is directly involved in an issue, or at least close to the action, such as yourself.
I hope you will take time to browse the other forums (fora?) as well. Please invite fellow students, friends and relatives. I have learned quite a lot from reading and commenting here. It is a diverse place; Catholic = Universal!
Cling to the Faith, and I hope you have a great year at Champaign-Urbana.
Mimi
It’s always interesting to have the point of view of one who is directly involved in an issue, or at least close to the action, such as yourself.
I hope you will take time to browse the other forums (fora?) as well. Please invite fellow students, friends and relatives. I have learned quite a lot from reading and commenting here. It is a diverse place; Catholic = Universal!
Cling to the Faith, and I hope you have a great year at Champaign-Urbana.
Mimi
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1holycatholic
Guest
What they are teaching about homosexual activity is not congruent with public health data. That’s intellectual dishonesty of the highest order.
Is it possible that you could be given the boot?
K
Katie727
Guest
Thanks so much Mimi!
God bless you and keep you
God bless you and keep you
K
Katie727
Guest
Is it possible that you could be given the boot?
I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean here
I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean here
1
1holycatholic
Guest
You wrote:
"Especially my own major, Human Development and Family Studies. It can be quite awkward for me at times. I know they mean very well, but at times my education doesn’t coincide with the teachings of the Church."Students have been forced out of school for not accepting the teaching of university faculty which is explicitly contrary to the teaching of the Church.
K
Katie727
Guest
Thanks for clarifying! And no, they can’t kick me out. They’re stuck with me. By their own pledge to maintain academic freedom, they can’t expel a student for expressing his or her opinions. But interestingly, the same did not apparently hold true for Dr. Ken! Even though I have heard my own professors repeatedly endorsing homosexual marriages by having us study material pertaining to it. (They do so in the name of “equal rights.”) The term can be deceiving.
W
wisdomseeker
Guest
and what i dont understand is why anybody would want to stay in such a place. with so many non Catholic teaching in Catholics university, why arent these Catholic teachers teaching in our universities? why arent they been giving jobs at our universities?
“Coursed is the man who sits in the counsel of the unGodly.” i would be afraid to be among such an evil.
J
jilly4ski
Guest
Because most “Catholic” universities are just as bad if not worse, and maybe even go out of their way to not hire orthodox teachers in favor of “diversity” and to not “offend” their non Catholic students.
I went to a “Catholic” university where 2 theology classes were required. My intro theology class was actually taught by a Presbyterian minister.
What is interesting that judging from other peoples experiences with other professors (it was required so everyone had to take it, thus lots of teachers), I actually received a generally a church approved version of the bible tradition, compared to what some of the nuns and monks were teaching.
The professor was a newer professor and wanted to make sure that he taught what the Church actually said. (He did present some dissenting opinions like Sr. Joan Chittister’s rant about Christology (but I am not sure if that was in the into class or in his Judeo/Christian/Islam class, which I also took).
W
wisdomseeker
Guest
i see. well, he could be looking at some of the university that is in compliance with the teachings of the Church. and students should make sure not to go to universities that are coward and afraid to teach Catholic teachings because they chose to make money instead of the Truth. it is time for us to start make things right again. Catholics have been thrown out to the lions for too long. this thing of mixing Faith has been of great loss for us.Because most “Catholic” universities are just as bad if not worse, and maybe even go out of their way to not hire orthodox teachers in favor of “diversity” and to not “offend” their non Catholic students.
I went to a “Catholic” university where 2 theology classes were required. My intro theology class was actually taught by a Presbyterian minister.
God bless.
D
donsnow
Guest
It’s not always cowardice. For decades, progressives and liberals have been intent on adulterating Holy Scripture in secular colleges for their own agenda’s sake. The freedom of expression granted to them, they do not return once in power. They are also proud of having worked their way to among Faithful Catholic scholars and academics, also adulterate translations and interpretations of the Holy Bible and to twist the teaching of Catholic dogma and doctrine in the classrooms. This is all Satan’s work, and the progressives, liberals and elitists doing it think they’re so smart, but they’re only outsmarting their souls’ salvation.
But, you are absolutely right that Christians, especially Catholics, should stand up for the Faith in both secular and Catholic universities and colleges.
J
Joe_5859
Guest
I know this story has kind of passed from the public eye, but I came across this exchange on the “Save Dr. Ken” Facebook group page and thought I would pass it on as it seems to answer a previously unresolved question:
Kelly H.: Has a decision been made about Dr. Howell’s relationship with the Newman Center? I read that he is barred by the University from working for SJCNC, but is that in fact the case? And if so, how is this really a victory? Isn’t that still an infringement on his rights? Perhaps someone in the know could shed some light on this.
August 11 at 1:56am
Kenneth Howell: Kelly et al.
I am back working at Newman under a new arrangement. I will be paid by the U for teaching and by Newman for my other work there. More to this than appears but for now, we move on.
August 11 at 3:58pm
So it appears that Dr. Howell is back to teaching this semester and that he is able to retain his working relationship with both the University and the Newman Center. So I suppose, as Dr. Howell suggests, we move on.
Kelly H.: Has a decision been made about Dr. Howell’s relationship with the Newman Center? I read that he is barred by the University from working for SJCNC, but is that in fact the case? And if so, how is this really a victory? Isn’t that still an infringement on his rights? Perhaps someone in the know could shed some light on this.
August 11 at 1:56am
Kenneth Howell: Kelly et al.
I am back working at Newman under a new arrangement. I will be paid by the U for teaching and by Newman for my other work there. More to this than appears but for now, we move on.
August 11 at 3:58pm
So it appears that Dr. Howell is back to teaching this semester and that he is able to retain his working relationship with both the University and the Newman Center. So I suppose, as Dr. Howell suggests, we move on.
- Status