CHAMPAIGN, Ill., July 30 (UPI) -- The University of Illinois says it reinstated a professor removed from the classroom for allegedly engaging in anti-gay "hate speech" in his religion class.
Kenneth Howell will be back teaching Introduction to Catholicism in the fall with his salary paid by the St. John's Catholic Newman Center rather than the university.
Howell had been pulled from his Catholic studies class in May after a student complained to the religion department that Howell was spewing anti-gay ideas in his discussions on the church's stance on homosexuality.
The move sparked protests from hundreds of supporters of Howell who contended his right to freedom of speech had been violated, The Daily Illini in Champaign, Ill., said Friday. The newspaper said Howell remains an adjunct professor, which leaves him vulnerable to being removed at a future date.
Howell wasn't available for comment but a spokeswoman said his supporters were pleased despite what they considered unresolved issues surrounding the controversy.
UPI
