Paul Mirecki, an associate professor of religious studies who will teach “Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design and Creationism,” issued an apology Monday for an e-mail he wrote as he was formulating plans for the course:

“I accept full responsibility for an ill-advised e-mail I sent to a small group of students and friends that has unintentionally impugned the integrity and good name of both the university and my faculty colleagues. My words were offensive, and I apologize to all for that.

“I especially regret that the e-mail betrays what I have consistently practiced in the classroom during my sixteen-year teaching career at KU: I believe that civil discourse is vital to a democratic society, and we must, especially in a university environment, be able to discuss differing points of view in a open, fair and civil fashion. I have always practiced my belief that there is no place for impertinence and name-calling in a serious academic class. My words in the e-mail do not represent my teaching philosophy or the style I use in class.

“I have assured the provost of the university that I will teach the course according to the standards this university rightfully expects – as a serious academic subject and in a manner that respects all points of view.”