Dr. Kenneth Howell has been offered a visiting instructional appointment to the University of Illinois to teach “Introduction to Catholicism” this fall. Discussions are under way to determine an ongoing role at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center in Champaign that complements his teaching, according to Patricia Gibson, chancellor of the Diocese of Peoria.

The invitation comes after several meetings and phone conversations between top officials of the University of Illinois and the diocese, who made it clear that they wanted Howell back in the classroom, Gibson said.

An adjunct professor in the university’s Department of Religion since 2001, Howell was informed at the end of the spring semester that he would no longer be allowed to teach there. In addition to “Introduction to Catholicism,” he was the instructor for “Modern Catholic Thought.”

His work as director and senior fellow of the Institute of Catholic Thought at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center was contingent on his teaching at the University of Illinois.

The actions came after Howell sent an e-mail to the students in his “Introduction to Catholicism” class in preparation for the final exam. In the May 4 message, he addressed utilitarianism and sexuality, including a discussion of church teaching on homosexuality and natural moral law.

A friend of one of Howell’s students complained to university officials that Howell’s e-mail had contained “hate speech.” Both students wished to remain anonymous.

Howell said he had been straightforward in telling his students that he was a practicing Catholic and believed all that the Catholic Church teaches, but did not expect them to and would not count it against them if they disagreed.

In the weeks that followed, there were vigorous protests on Howell’s behalf as the story garnered increasing press attention.

On July 12, the Alliance Defense Fund, a not-for-profit legal alliance that defends religious freedom, sent a letter to University of Illinois officials seeking that they “immediately reinstate Dr. Howell and restore to him the teaching responsibilities he has discharged so excellently for almost a decade.”

The University of Illinois Faculty Senate’s Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure continues to review the case. A ruling is expected by the time the fall semester starts on Aug. 23.

CONCERNS HEARD
“In recent years, Dr. Howell has done an excellent job teaching at the university and both Msgr. Gregory Ketcham, director of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center, and diocesan representatives staunchly advocated that he remain the adjunct professor of courses in Catholicism,” Gibson said in a statement issued July 30.

“The University of Illinois also wishes to consult with St. John’s Catholic Newman Center and the diocese in the future regarding these courses,” she said.

Gibson added that the university values a relationship with the Newman Center, which “adamantly embraces the whole of Catholic teaching as decreed by the magisterium of the church.”

“They have also asked that they be allowed the freedom to pay Dr. Howell’s salary for instructing these courses and this decision was met with no objection from the diocese, the Newman Center or the Alliance Defense Fund,” she said in the statement.

“Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, is immensely grateful that the University of Illinois was willing to listen to our concerns and has decided to act in what he believes is a very appropriate manner in allowing Dr. Howell to return to the classroom.”

While some questioned why the Diocese of Peoria did not take a public stand earlier, Gibson said they did act as soon as Howell informed them of what had happened.

“We sent out the message that we disagreed with the decision and within two days we had the dean and the president’s office in touch with us,” she told The Catholic Post. “We thought the professional thing was for us to give the University of Illinois a chance to respond and we were very pleased with their response.”

In a post on the “Save Dr. Ken” Facebook page last weekend, Howell offered his gratitude to those who have stood behind him.

“I would like to thank you all for the support you have offered me during this difficult time,” he said. “Our family has been greatly encouraged by the concern and prayers of so many people. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”