Karl Wuensch wrote: > Now I seek advice on a second problem. This is the first semester I >have taught intro in several years. Years ago I learned to avoid the word >"evolution" -- whenever I would speak it, 2 or 3 students would stand up >and >walk out. I learned to speak of "natural selection," not evolution. Last >week I slipped up and let the word "evolution" be part of the lecture a >couple of times. Now I am suddenly receiving religious mailings in my >campus mailbox (Awake!), religious brochures slid under my office door >while >I am in class, and when I exit a classroom, I find persons I do not know >addressing me by name and explaining how I am bound by sin and only Jesus >can save me. If only I had not let the word "evolution" slip. I don't >really want to spend class time debating evolution versus creationism. Is >it wise to continue to try to avoid this confrontation or would a different >course of action be more productive?
I think you have a case for harassment. There is no reason you should hve to tolerate an invasion of your privacy by outside religious groups. You know (or can find out) who or what group is behind this. I would suggest telling him/her/them that unless the harassment stops you will take it to the both administration and the courts. Academic freedom is academic freedom and natural selection or evolution is a valid explanation for many aspects of behavior. I would never, never, never, engage in a public classroom debate. You will open the floodgates. If you feel you must, speak to the students in your class privately. I would expect North Carolina has the same rules as California, only enrolled students are permitted in your class and you have no obligation to even speak to those who hang around your office or your classroom who are not enrolled. Harry Avis PhD Sierra College Rocklin, CA 95677 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Life is opinion - Marcus Aurelius There is nothing that is good or bad, but that thinking makes it so - Shakespeare _________________________________________________________________ Join the world�s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
