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Archive for Friday, April 11, 2003

University Council resolution on sex-ed

April 11, 2003

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Here is the text of the resolution, to be sent to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and legislators, approved Thursday by University Council at Kansas University:

"The University Council of the University of Kansas believes that the education of Kansans is enhanced when decisions regarding curricular matters, including methods and materials used in pedagogy, are made by the established authorities on the respective state campuses, subject to oversight by the Kansas Board of Regents. The Council further reaffirms its historic commitment to academic freedom and to the maintenance of university campuses as centers for the free interchange of ideas.

"As students, faculty and staff, we express concern about the language added to the budget bill stemming from a student's perception of a course on human sexuality taught at the University of Kansas. Because of the specific circumstances in this case, as well as the precedent this language sets, we ask you, the Governor and legislators, to use whatever means available to remove this language.

"We bring to your attention the fact that the University has in place tried and tested mechanisms for handling questions regarding course material and instructor conduct. In this case, apparently none of the avenues installed by the university community to resolve alleged problems of this type were used. If it ever comes to your attention that there are complaints or questions about course material or instructor conduct, you would be doing the citizens of our state a great service by referring complaints to the appropriate person(s) on campus so the matter can be quickly and fairly settled. If the complainant is not satisfied with these deliberations, then the complainant can pursue the question outside the university community."

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