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Settlement In Religious Discrimination Suit By Astronomer Against University of Kentucky

By Howard M. Friedman

The Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal reported yesterday that the University of Kentucky has settled a lawsuit brought against it by Martin Gaskell, an astronomer who was was not selected for the position of founding director of a new observatory at the University. Gaskell claimed his rejection resulted from religious discrimination.  He was the leading candidate until his views on the theory of evolution became known.  He believes the theory has major flaws and has assigned students readings on intelligent design.  Physics and biology professors were concerned about his mixing of religion and science, and one professor feared linking of the University in the public mind with the Creation Museum, also in Kentucky. In the settlement, the University agreed to pay Gaskell $125,000 without admitting any wrongdoing. (See prior related posting.)

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 19, 2011 (boomark / email).