Score one for UVM-With Dawkins' help

[Hamradioguy]

UVM is the University of Vermont. And I suspect you all know about Ben Stein, the outspoken opponent of evolution. He gave a lecture at UVM last spring on economic matters that was well received. So the University invited him to give the Commencement speech this year, which would have included his getting an honorary degree from the University.

Now it would appear Mr. Stein will NOT be putting in an appearance. Some of you may have caught a recent news story that Vermont is the least religious state in the US. So there was more than a bit of an uproar about the choice of Mr. Stein. But get this- Apparently word of UVM's offer to Mr. Stein reached Richard Dawkins, who immediately contacted UVM President Dan Fogel. Whether it was Dawkins, the uproar in the academic community or Vermont being the bottom state of the "how religious?" poll, Stein withdrew after President Fogel informed him of the furor.

There are a number of stories about this on line already, likely more coming. Of interest is that initially UVM President Fogel was rather vague about Stein's withdrawl as Commencement speaker. But on the local news a few minutes ago he clearly and firmly stated (I'm paraphrasing here), "His views ignore the fundamental ideas of scientific inquiry. Awarding Mr. Stein an honorary academic degree would be innapropriate."

 

[332nd]

UVM is the University of Vermont. And I suspect you all know about Ben Stein, the outspoken opponent of evolution. He gave a lecture at UVM last spring on economic matters that was well received. So the University invited him to give the Commencement speech this year, which would have included his getting an honorary degree from the University.

Now it would appear Mr. Stein will NOT be putting in an appearance. Some of you may have caught a recent news story that Vermont is the least religious state in the US. So there was more than a bit of an uproar about the choice of Mr. Stein. But get this- Apparently word of UVM's offer to Mr. Stein reached Richard Dawkins, who immediately contacted UVM President Dan Fogel. Whether it was Dawkins, the uproar in the academic community or Vermont being the bottom state of the "how religious?" poll, Stein withdrew after President Fogel informed him of the furor.

There are a number of stories about this on line already, likely more coming. Of interest is that initially UVM President Fogel was rather vague about Stein's withdrawl as Commencement speaker. But on the local news a few minutes ago he clearly and firmly stated (I'm paraphrasing here), "His views ignore the fundamental ideas of scientific inquiry. Awarding Mr. Stein an honorary academic degree would be innapropriate."

What with my fiancee' getting her BFA from UVM and my many visitswhile she was there, I say "WHOOHOOO!"

 

[Hamradioguy]

The University of Vermont has picked Dr. Howard Dean, former governor and presidential candidate to be the commencement speaker. Much better choice.