It is interesting that Baylor is saying the same thing that I am
saying--that Dembski was not the victim of persecution and thus was not a
martyr to the evil evolutionists. I am sure that there are some here who
still won't believe this, but Dembski simply isn't a martyr in spite of the
fact that he is about to be turned into one. Any response, Bryan?
This was on metanews:
http://listserv.omni-list.com/scripts/wa.exe?S2=metanews&L=metanews&q=beaty&
s=&f=&a=&b=
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 16:43:44 -0400
Reply-To: "Michael D. Beaty" <Bruce_Gordon@BAYLOR.EDU>
Sender: Metanews <metanews@META-LIST.ORG>
From: "Michael D. Beaty" <Bruce_Gordon@BAYLOR.EDU>
Subject: Baylor University Responds to Misconceptions about the
Polanyi
Center Controversy
In light of remarks on the META list that indicate a significant
misunderstanding of the recent events surrounding the Polanyi Center at
Baylor University, most particularly the removal of Dr. Dembski as its
director, I think it is important to clarify the significance of what has
happened.
Dr. Dembski was not removed from the directorship for any academic failure.
Baylor recognizes the value and legitimacy of his academic work, as did the
External Review Committee. Baylor fully supports his academic freedom to
pursue his research and hopes that he will continue to do so. Dr. Dembski
was removed from his post as director on administrative grounds. In order
to
function in his administrative capacity, it was necessary that Dr. Dembski
be able to work well with other Baylor faculty, first and foremost an
advisory committee. It was the judgment of the administration that some of
his recent actions severely compromised his ability to perform his central
administrative duties. It was for this reason, and this reason alone, that
he was removed from his directorial post.
There also has been a suggestion that the removal of Dr. Dembski as
director
is a sign that Baylor has succumbed to political pressure to squelch work
on
intelligent design. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having been
freed from administrative tasks, Dr. Dembski will be able to devote himself
exclusively to research, which arguably is the most valuable contribution
he
can make to design theory.
Finally, some have claimed that this sad episode suggests that Baylor is
weakening its commitment to being a Christian university. Baylor University
remains committed to encouraging a faithful intellect and an intellectually
responsible faith.
Michael Beaty
Director, The Baylor Institute for Faith and Learning
glenn
see http://www.flash.net/~mortongr/dmd.htm
for lots of creation/evolution information
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