In certain quarters of the state, Kansas University would not be considered a place dedicated to breaking down the separation of church and state.
One KU group wonders if the university is doing just that with its seal.
That's right, the circular symbol that appears on every identification card and diploma
For those of you who haven't looked closely or don't read Latin, the symbol depicts Moses kneeling before the burning bush. The Latin quotation around the picture of Moses is a quote from Exodus in which Moses says he sees a bush burning but not being consumed and must go look at it.
That's the possible problem, says Buddy Lloyd, media director for the KU ACLU.
"Why is a religious symbol on the university seal?" Lloyd asked. "Why have Moses on the seal with a Bible quote?"
The KU ACLU is sending a letter to Chancellor Robert Hemenway to ask for the university's justification for having Moses on the seal.
KU is saying nothing until the letter arrives.
Lloyd said the letter came about because a student asked the group if the seal possibly violates the First Amendment, which prevents government from establishing a religion.
Once KU has replied to the letter, the ACLU will consider its next step.
The seal has been around since 1866, when it was chosen by the university's first chancellor, the Rev. R.W. Oliver. According to KU's Website, "fire symbolizes knowledge in many stories and myths. Moses is thought to represent the humble attitude of the scholar who recognizes the unquenchable nature of the pursuit of truth and knowledge."
The scene from the seal is also the source of the statue outside Smith Hall, which is the home of the religious studies department
He's not gone yet
That's right, Dean Hoeflich, an empty chair does not run the KU Law School.
In Friday's edition of this column, I did not explain that Michael Hoeflich continues as dean of the law school. Hoeflich announced his resignation in 1998 to return to teaching. When a search for his replacement came up empty last year, Hoeflich agreed to continue as dean this year.
Sorry for not spelling this out last week. Thanks for the letter. Thanks for reading the paper.
African insights
KU is the host to a National Science Foundation-sponsored research workshop on African Environments, Wednesday through Saturday.
The workshop focuses on how new technologies can be used in future research on African environmental change.
Wednesday's keynote address is by William Adams of the University of Cambridge. Adams will speak about the political ecology of Sub-Saharan Africa.
For whom the bells toll
Bells will be ringing across the state Thursday to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. For folks on Mount Oread, this means the campanile will chime a lullaby at 9:09 a.m., when all the other bells will be playing.
Thursday is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day.
First Lady Linda Graves is organizing the bell-ringing effort across the state. Several churches across the state will also ring their bells at 9 a.m.
Regents to meet
Members of Board of Regents are scheduled to meet Friday with the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees in Wichita.
KACCT is worried about the funding formula for community colleges in the law giving the board coordination authority over the colleges.
Regents attending the meeting are Chairman Bill Docking and the members of the board's commission on community colleges and vocational-technical education: Clay Blair III, Floris Jean Hampton and Jack Wempe.
-- Erwin Seba's phone message number is 832-7145. His e-mail address is eseba@ljworld.com.
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