A week after anonymous gay and lesbian students at Harding University (a private, Christian school) put out an online magazine sharing their personal stories, the president of the university, David Burks, has issued a statement against it: He finds the website so “offensive and degrading,” he can’t even say the site’s name because the word “queer” offends him. Because I guess stories about love are degrading. Because I guess stories that bring light to the harsh truth about “Christian values”… Read more
Last week, I was disturbed to see all four candidates for the Lake Zurich Unit District 95 school board admit to believing in Creationism. But they’re quickly retracting their statements. In a separate telephone interview, [Doug] Goldberg said he misunderstood the context of the original question. Goldberg said he’s researched the issue since the original Daily Herald interview session and understands teaching creationism in science class is against the law. … In a separate telephone interview, [Tony] Pietro said he… Read more
This is a game-changer for the Secular Student Alliance. We’re growing in affiliates and staff and we now have an opportunity to really raise serious money that will allow us to have a bigger impact nationwide. Jeff Hawkins, creator of the PalmPilot, and Janet Strauss are pledging to match all new donations in 2011 up to $100,000. Wow. To summarize what they’ll match: New donors : 100% of your 2011 giving will be matched. Past donors : 100% of your… Read more
