Last updated: Dec. 8, 2006
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been under intense scrutiny for its decision to allow part-time lecturer Kevin Barrett to teach an introductory course on Islam history and culture. More than 1,000 e-mails and calls from citizens, and countless news reports and editorials have been issued related to the university’s difficult decision.
At issue are Barrett’s highly controversial personal views on the Sept. 11 attacks on America, in which he asserts the attacks were an “inside job” orchestrated to justify a long-term war in the Middle East.
When the controversy first erupted in late June, UW-Madison Provost Patrick Farrell rigorously examined Barrett’s plans for teaching the course, his prior teaching record and his academic credentials. Following a 10-day review, Farrell agreed to allow Barrett to teach, based on the course's merits, evaluations of his teaching, and Barrett's insistence that he intends to separate his personal convictions from his professional responsibilities and not seek to impose his views on students. Post-Sept. 11 issues are expected to comprise about a week of the 17-week course.
This site offers a sampling of the wide-ranging views on this topic. The university will continue to support an open dialogue on this matter.
Statements released by UW-Madison
- Provost Patrick Farrell's statement on Anti-Defamation League criticism Oct. 11, 2006
- Letter from Provost Farrell to Kevin Barrett PDF, July 20, 2006
- Political Science Professor Donald Downs' perspective on academic freedom July 13, 2006
- Statement announcing Provost Farrell's decision July 10, 2006
- Statement announcing Provost Farrell's review June 29, 2006
Documents from State Rep. Steve Nass
- Legislative resolution condemning Kevin Barrett PDF, July 12, 2006
- Letter to Gov. Jim Doyle PDF, July 24, 2006
- Letter to UW Board of Regents President David G. Walsh PDF, July 24, 2006
Statements from other sources
- ACLU of Wisconsin applauds university support for academic freedom in lecturer's case PDF, July 10, 2006
- How Wisconsin Can Avoid Future Kevin Barrett Controversies (American Council of Trustees and Alumni) PDF, Aug. 2, 2006
- Letter from UW System President Kevin P. Reilly to Rep. Steve Nass PDF, July 28, 2006
Some history
Editorials
- Daily Cardinal Dec. 7, 2006
- Oshkosh Northwestern Oct. 4, 2006
- Charlotte Observer Aug. 16, 2006
- Capital Times Aug. 8, 2006
- WISC-TV Aug. 7, 2006
- Chicago Tribune (registration required) July 30, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 30, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 29, 2006
- WISC-TV July 26, 2006
- Regent Jeffrey Bartell column July 24, 2006
- The New York Times op-ed July 23, 2006
- Wisconsin State Journal July 14, 2006
- The Capital Times July 13, 2006
- Sheboygan Press July 14, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 12, 2006
- Wisconsin State Journal columnist July 12, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist July 10, 2006
- Beloit Daily News July 5, 2006
Selected news coverage
- Badger Herald Nov. 16, 2006
- Associated Press Oct. 11, 2006
- WKOW-TV Oct. 10, 2006
- WisPolitics.com Oct. 10, 2006
- Badger Herald Oct. 6, 2006
- The Capital Times Oct. 2, 2006
- Christian Science Monitor Aug. 17, 2006
- National Public Radio Aug. 9, 2006
- National Public Radio Aug. 7, 2006
- Associated Press Aug. 6, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Aug. 6, 2006
- Associated Press Aug. 3, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Aug. 3, 2006
- Chicago Tribune (registration required) Aug. 2, 2006
- Janesville Gazette Aug. 2, 2006
- New York Times Aug. 1, 2006
- Los Angeles Times July 25, 2006
- The Capital Times: Barrett profile July 22, 2006
- Wisconsin Radio Network July 21, 2006
- Associated Press: the Nass resolution July 21, 2006
- The Capital Times July 13, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story: UW-Madison's decision July 10, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story: Barrett's UWM presentation July 9, 2006
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story: UW-Madison to review case June 29, 2006