Presentation on origin of species stirs controversy
Debate transformed into lecture following a wave of protest
Alissa Wisniewski
Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: News
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Alissa Wisniewski
City Times
The Big Bang. There has been a timeless controversy over what - or who - set it in motion. Now that controversy has exploded at San Diego City College.
On Sept. 19 in the Seville Theater, Dr. E.C. Ashby lectured about creationism and evolutionism, two seemingly contradictory theories he ties together with grace. Even a zealous evolutionist might be tempted by his confident demeanor.
Originally a debate, the event was transformed into a lecture series following a wave of protest. Ashby is a chemistry professor and devout Christian while his opponent would have been Pastor Barry Minkow, a senior pastor at the San Diego Community Bible Church and a fellow Christian. The event was sponsored by the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
On the initial world cultures event calendar, Ashby's religious affiliation was omitted and IVCF's title was shortened to InterVarsity. Described in this way, students could interpret the debate as an impartial portrayal of the issue.
Saturated with Christian influence, the debate had the potential to be misleading to students who were looking for unbiased discussion on the topic, critics charged. "Instead of an objective representation of both views, we're now getting a Christian interpretation of both views," Michael Taylor, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, said.
Taylor's primary concern was for students still developing their ability to critically analyze issues. "That's who I'm speaking for," he said. "[The advertising] was misleading to the majority of students … as if they were going to something fair and balanced."
Karen Lim, co-director of world cultures, approved the speakers and didn't see a problem with the selection. "The event is during Constitution Week … world cultures supports free speech. We don't censor speakers and we have no control over what they say once they have been approved to speak," Lim said.
Lim agreed to alter the event under pressure from faculty and because she feels students "should have the ability to make up their minds and be shown both sides of the story." She was unaware that students were feeling betrayed by the school because of how the debate was advertised.
City Times
The Big Bang. There has been a timeless controversy over what - or who - set it in motion. Now that controversy has exploded at San Diego City College.
On Sept. 19 in the Seville Theater, Dr. E.C. Ashby lectured about creationism and evolutionism, two seemingly contradictory theories he ties together with grace. Even a zealous evolutionist might be tempted by his confident demeanor.
Originally a debate, the event was transformed into a lecture series following a wave of protest. Ashby is a chemistry professor and devout Christian while his opponent would have been Pastor Barry Minkow, a senior pastor at the San Diego Community Bible Church and a fellow Christian. The event was sponsored by the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
On the initial world cultures event calendar, Ashby's religious affiliation was omitted and IVCF's title was shortened to InterVarsity. Described in this way, students could interpret the debate as an impartial portrayal of the issue.
Saturated with Christian influence, the debate had the potential to be misleading to students who were looking for unbiased discussion on the topic, critics charged. "Instead of an objective representation of both views, we're now getting a Christian interpretation of both views," Michael Taylor, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, said.
Taylor's primary concern was for students still developing their ability to critically analyze issues. "That's who I'm speaking for," he said. "[The advertising] was misleading to the majority of students … as if they were going to something fair and balanced."
Karen Lim, co-director of world cultures, approved the speakers and didn't see a problem with the selection. "The event is during Constitution Week … world cultures supports free speech. We don't censor speakers and we have no control over what they say once they have been approved to speak," Lim said.
Lim agreed to alter the event under pressure from faculty and because she feels students "should have the ability to make up their minds and be shown both sides of the story." She was unaware that students were feeling betrayed by the school because of how the debate was advertised.
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