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‘Intelligent design’ professor given tenure at Ball State

Ball State University professor Eric Hedin, whose “Boundaries of Science” class thrust the campus into the national spotlight in 2013 after atheists accused him of proselytizing for discussing the theories of intelligent design, has been granted tenure.

Hedin, in response to an email from The College Fix on Thursday, confirmed he was granted tenure but declined to comment further.

When the issue first surfaced, then-Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora declared the theory of intelligent design not science, but rather a religious belief, and effectively banned educators during science classes from delving into the notion that an intelligence of some sort helped form the universe and life on Earth.

However, many scientists and professors have publicly stated their support for the theory of intelligent design. Also, in the wake of news that the class had come under scrutiny, about 7,000 people signed a petition defending the course and Hedin’s academic freedoms.

RELATED: Physics professor tells students scientific evidence points to a ‘designer’

Fast-forward to today, and while Hedin has secured tenure — the fate of “Boundaries of Science” is unclear. Asked about the status of the class — which had been very popular among students — Hedin declined to comment to The College Fix.

Inside Higher Ed also reports that “a university spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how, if at all, past concerns about Hedin’s teaching were resolved.”

A search of a PDF of the 2015-16 course catalog at Ball State did not produce results for a “Boundaries of Science” class.

In 2013, university spokeswoman Joan Todd told The Star Press that Hedin and others are “working together to ensure that course content is aligned with the curriculum and best standards of the discipline. The university is particularly appreciative for Dr. Hedin’s active participation and cooperation during this process. His academic credentials are an asset to the university. He remains an important and valued member of our physics and astronomy department.”

RELATED: Heckler’s Veto — Latest Tool To Suppress Dissent From Darwinism On College Campuses

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About the Author
Fix Editor
Jennifer Kabbany is editor-in-chief of The College Fix.