[EBUCK]

Since Prof. Dini is denying others the right to believe differently than he does

I don't think he's denying anyone the right to think but I think he is wrong in denying an "otherwise acceptable" applicant opportunity based on religious belief. Which is IMO illegal.

[narby]

I think he is wrong in denying an "otherwise acceptable" applicant opportunity based on religious belief.

A biology student who doesn't understand the concept of biological evolution isn't "otherwise acceptable". They obviously don't understand the subject.

[AbsoluteJustice]

Hmmmm this is interesting. In a way I tend to agree with the professor. You cannot in any way or fashion believe the roots of biology and functions you perform in biology if you do not believe in evolution. How can you do scientific studies about evolution in graduate school if your mind is already made up on anti-evolution? How will you further the scientific world if your whole belief would be a road block to open thought. I agree with this professor in this instance.

[proxy_user]

The real legal issue is whether a personal recommendation is a public accomodation or not. I would say it is not. The professor has the right to personally recommend you, or not recommend you, on whatever basis he choses. His position is probably protected as freedom of speech and freedom of association.

[cinFLA]

I don't think he's denying anyone the right to think but I think he is wrong in denying an "otherwise acceptable" applicant opportunity based on religious belief. Which is IMO illegal.

As I see it, one can reconcile evolution with a creator. However, if one chooses to ignore the evidence and insists that the world was created in seven days, then one has the right to doubt that persons committment to the sciences. Perhaps this person should seek some other are of study?

[freedumb2003]

>>not write letters of recommendation for his students if they don't believe in evolution<<

Note, it does NOT say that positive belief in God, a Divine Sprit, or Murray Who Influences Blacjack Cards is a reason for not providing a recommendation. One can believe in God and evolution (I do) and still meet this criterion.

Also, there is no legal requirement to write letters of recommendation for ANYONE for ANY REASON, nor are there objective measurable criteria for same.

As long as the decision is based on thought and reasoning (as opposed to race or gender), he can write recommendations as he sees fit.