THE WHITEHEAD CASE -- DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NONBELIEVERS IN KANSAS?

ONCE AGAIN -- IT'S TIME TO SPEAK OUT AND SUPPORT DR. FRED WHITEHEAD!

For months, an international support campaign has been protesting the dismissal of Dr. Fred Whitehead, prominent freethought historian and writer, from his position at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Fred, an Assistant Professor, was with that institution for 21 years; he was abruptly informed in December, 1999 that his research no longer presumably fit the mission of that institution.

In fact, Dr. Whitehead was an outspoken critic of a dangerous and constitutionally suspect trend at the University. The Medical Center has sponsored meetings, seminars and conferences claiming to link physical health with religious and spiritual belief. Whitehead -- also a leading figure in the fight over creationist pseudoscience in Kansas public schools -- spoke out, and organized his own gatherings.

After the formality of a questionable "hearing," Whitehead, 56, was officially terminated from his position in July, 2000. The University even contested his claim for unemployment compensation after he refused to accept a clerical job filing paperwork with the school.

Dr. Whitehead has filed a complaint with the federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, charging that he is a victim of religious discrimination. He alleges a bias at the university against those who manifest a freethinking philosophy, and stand up for academic freedom.

Now, his case is helping to expose an even wider scandal involving improper actions by the University in regard to tenured employees. The prestigious American Association of University Professors has released a statement in the Whitehead case, supporting Fred's claim to academic protection. The state of Kansas has also rejected the university's shabby claim that Whitehead, a Fulbright scholar and published researcher, should have accepted a secretarial job shuffling files and memos.

It is time to demand a full investigation into the Whitehead affair. The University can still avoid a costly legal fight if they reinstate Dr. Whitehead, or offer a fair compensation such as an academic post suiting his talents. Whitehead is a victim of religion-based discrimination, and the university is attempting to violate academic freedom and silence a freethought critic.

A recent campaign generated hundreds of letters, faxes, and phone calls to Robert Hemenway, Chancellor of the University. This effort must now expand, especially in light of the new developments in this case. Even if you signed the letter in the previous campaign, or wrote to the Chancellor, we now urge you to participate in this new effort.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN...

• Find out the latest news in the Whitehead case!
  
  
• Read and sign a special e-mail in support of Dr. Whitehead, which will be sent to Dr. Amanda Golbeck, Director of Academic Affairs for the Kansas Board of Regents. It requests that copies be forwarded to all members of the Board. The e-mail will also be sent to Dr. Robert Hemenway, and the General Counsel, Mary D. Prewitt.
  
  
• Send "snail mail" or phone individual members of the Board of Regents. We list current addresses, phone and fax numbers below. We urge you to contact, if possible, ALL board members and let us know what, if any, response you receive.
  
  
• Encourage other individuals and groups to participate in this effort to support Dr. Whitehead!
  
  
• Spread the word! Circulate this alert... Spread this ACTION ALERT!

Board of Regents Contact Information

Clay C. Blair III, Chair, KBOR
5909 Martway, Suite 200
Mission, KS 66202

phone: 913-831-3388 ext. 23
fax: 913-831-3398

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