Marquette's John McAdams suspended after criticizing TA on gay marriage discussion

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ^ | 12/17/2014 | Karen Herzog

[UB355]

John McAdams, a Marquette University associate professor, says he is being "treated like a potential terrorist" after being suspended with pay and banned from campus while the university investigates his conduct, presumably because he publicly criticized a teaching assistant for not allowing discussion of gay marriage in an ethics class.

A student had objected to the teaching assistant's handling of the class discussion weeks ago and, after class, recorded his conversation with her. The teaching assistant told the student that "some opinions are not appropriate, such as racist opinions, sexist opinions." She suggested if someone in the class were homosexual, they could be offended if another student challenged gay marriage.

The student who disagreed told her it was his right as an American citizen to make arguments against gay marriage, to which teaching assistant Cheryl Abbate replied: "You don't have a right in this class to make homophobic comments."

[Steve_Seattle]

"What makes you an expert on Catholic schools at all levels?"

I attended them at all levels for 20 years. Is that good enough?

Assumption Elementary School (1957-1964)

Blanchet High School (1964-1968)

Seattle University (1968-1972)

All in Seattle. And since I still live in the Seattle area, and am aware of what's going on in the local Catholic schools (my sister teaches at one) and parishes (my mother and sister attend one), I think I am qualified to an opinion.

[Steve_Seattle]

"What makes you an expert on Catholic schools at all levels?"

Perhaps you assumed I was a lifelong, anti-Catholic Protestant. Believe me, I wish my critique were so easy to dismiss.

[publius911]

This is the gay marriage uber alles instructor/////// I say not guilty!!!

Either put the glass down and take another careful look, or get a coupla more glasses of whatever.

[ican'tbelieveit]

That is BS. I would not be protected as a Christian in that environment. I would not be protected as a white person in that environment. What about white males... etc.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Political correctness run amok! Gay marriage discussion squelched at Marquette U by teaching assistant. Professor suspended for criticizing her.

FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.

[Drango]

homosexual faction (I can't think of a better word, although there may be one)

gaystopo or Lavender Mafia