Kansas U. Religion Chair Mirecki Resigns Department Post

Lawrence Journal World ^ | 12/7/2005 | Sophia Maines

[Steve Eisenberg]

The embattled Kansas University religious studies professor who drew ire from Christian conservatives for his derisive remarks on an online discussion board has withdrawn from his post as chair of the department.

"Professor Mirecki said he thought it appropriate to step down and did so on the recommendation of his colleagues in the department and I have accepted his resignation," said Barbara Romzek, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "This allows the department to focus on what's most important - teaching, research and service - and to minimize the distractions of the last couple of weeks."

Mirecki, a tenured professor who had planned to teach a course on intelligent design, came under fire recently when his remarks about the course and other statements made on the Internet became public.

Mirecki said the class would be a "slap" in the "big fat face" of religious fundamentalists. He later withdrew the course. And on Monday he reported to local authorities that he was beaten by two men who made reference to controversy.

[Steve Eisenberg]

No admission of a false police report yet, but I don't why else he would have resigned. Let's not gloat too much.

[atomicpossum]

Resigned as head of the department, but still teaching, I presume?

[Onelifetogive]

did so on the recommendation of his colleagues

I believe the exact quote mentioned "and the horse you rode in on..."

[Onelifetogive]

statements made on the Internet became public.

Moron Alert! Statements made on the Internet ARE public.....

[This Just In]

Beaten? My eye. According to Mirecki's description of the two assailants, whom he stood face to face with, the "professor" only gave a vague physical description. And after being beaten with a "metal" object, he only sustained minor bumps and bruises?!

He's either lying, or he was attacked by a couple of tall 5 year old girls armed with plastic bats.

[F16Fighter]

Mirecki, a tenured professor...

...assumed with his tenure he could perpetuate and indoctrinate his students with anti-Christian propaganda with impunity -- that was until he got knocked on his arrogant @ss.

KU is run by a bunch of feckless cowards in any case for their kid-gloves idea of "discipline."

[BagelFace]

He's either lying, or he was attacked by a couple of tall 5 year old girls armed with plastic bats.

True, or he's telling the truth.

[This Just In]

"True, or he's telling the truth."

It's possible, but as you've gathered, I'm sceptical.

[BagelFace]

We know he's a thoughtless and mean-spirited biggot fool. I'd hate to think he's also a liar!

[LiteKeeper]

YEC INTREP

[Mamzelle]

Looks like a good day on FR. I think a certain crowd will steer clear.