Oklahoma: lawmakers seek to condemn university for inviting evolutionary biologist Dawkins to speak

[ccharles000]

Wow. I guess the folks passing bills out there in Sally Kern land have a different interpretation of "academic freedom" than the reality-based community. (TulsaWorld):
State lawmakers hit the University of Oklahoma with a barrage of paperwork earlier this month, crafting resolutions to condemn the school for inviting a noted evolutionary biologist and requesting reams of information about his visit.
In response, OU President David Boren said recently that colleges and universities should be a free marketplace of ideas, and it is inappropriate for legislators to attempt to restrict speech on campuses.

The resolution, which the House didn't have time to put up for a vote, chastised OU for inviting scientist and Oxford professor Richard Dawkins to speak earlier this month as part of the university's celebration of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday.

And what's sad is that one of the flat-earthers is a Dem, and the one proposing the resolution is a Republican who's truly frightening.
Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, filed a lengthy open records request with the university, asking for any correspondence regarding Dawkins' speech, information on any costs to OU, a list of any money Dawkins received and who provided the funds, and any other "pertinent financial information."
...State Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada, filed a resolution this session opposing Dawkins' invitation to speak at OU and the university's actions "to indoctrinate students in the theory of evolution."

In a phone interview Thursday, Thomsen said the university has a right to bring any speaker it chooses, but is accountable to taxpayers. On behalf of his constituents, Thomsen wanted to present the opinion that Dawkins doesn't represent Oklahoma's ideals.

"They're not in a plastic bubble that can't be touched," he said.

Hat tips to Blenders Denabeth and Anaokla.

http://www.pamshouseblend.com

[sazemisery]

1. We have a lot of nutcases in Oklahoma

I don't tell a lot of people where I live because of the stigma this state has. We are the REDDEST state in the union and I am not proud of it.

[ccharles000]

2. ...

:hug:

[provis99]

4. Oklahoma has the highest percentage of fundies out of any state

It makes Kansas and Utah look moderate by comparison. You have my sympathies.

[lyonn]

6. Sort of an amusing story about a 7-ll style store at Keystone area

My daughter lives in that area and on inauguration day she went to the handy dandy store to buy some "good" beer to celebrate while watching it on tv. Everyone in the store was wearing black and pissed. She kept her mouth shut, grabbed her beer and left. She wasn't up to the anger she was surrounded by. That is ridiculous.

[LuvNewcastle]

3. I saw the clip of his speech there.

Didn't he donate some money to the university?

[lyonn]

5. It looks like he spoke at OU at no cost to the school

I gather that from some of the comments to the story. Sheesh. I feel sure President Boren could handle the dummies he had to deal with in the State Legislature. But it is such a shame when universities and colleges are sometimes restricted when it comes to who will speak. Let Ann Coulter speak too. Course they'd have to screen the audience.

The thought process by so many here in Okla. seems to be different that other red States. The word socialism has a definite evil connotation, they blame all those that suffer financially on laziness, etc.. I feel a lack of compassion all around me?? What's funny/peculiar is many of those could definitely use a little govt. help. Those same conservatives get angry when they have to pay child support, etc.?

Side note: Okla. does have an excellent program for kids that come from families that make less than $50,000 per year and have a C average in high school. They pay tuition and other perks.

[ccharles000]

7. kick