CitizenLink, CO
05-18-07
Faculty Admits Intelligent Design was a Factor in Denying Tenure
Members of the astronomy department at Iowa State University admit Dr.
Guillermo Gonzalez's belief that science points to an intelligent designer influenced their decision to deny him tenure.
Gonzalez, an astronomer, professor at the university and author of The
Privileged Planet, does not teach about intelligent design in his university courses. Research and advocacy for the theory are done on his own time.
Eli Rosenberg, chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy , told
World Magazine that Gonzalez's book was a factor. Professor Curtis Struck said he "includes some things in his astronomy resumé that other people regard as taking a coincidence too far," referring to Gonzalez's arguments for intelligent design.
Gonzalez has an impressive list of professional achievements at Iowa State. He has authored 68 peer-reviewed scientific articles
– 350 percent of the department requirement – as well as a college-level astronomy textbook published by
Cambridge University Press. He also spearheaded research that led to the discovery of two planets, and helped build technology to discover planets outside of the solar system.
"I was surprised and a little depressed," Gonzalez said. "I almost decided not to turn in an appeal, but several friends convinced me to do so. This might have precedent, so it was important for me to go through it for the sake of others who might go through this in the future."