Qualified Christian Astronomer Passed Over For U. of Kentucky Science Job

You know that whole "religious freedom" thing where religious discrimination is illegal in the United States? Apparently, the University of Kentucky didn't get the memo. In 2009, Dr. C. Martin Gaskell was interviewed as a leading candidate for running an observatory at the University of Kentucky. He was passed over for the job, partly because his potential future colleagues did some Internet research and found that Gaskell was, gasp!, an evangelical Christian. At the end of his job interview, Gaskell claims in a lawsuit against the University, his interviewer asked him about his religious beliefs and was told they were a matter of concern. Dr. Gaskell was not offered the position and is now suing the University of Kentucky for religious discrimination.

Let's get this straight. Gaskell is not a creationist, he says, and accepts standard evolutionary science. Although he is on record tying scientific evidence to his religious beliefs, i.e. fitting Genesis in with scientific findings, he's also a career scientist who got to the interview stage of a prestigious research university's hiring process. But he faced opposition like this email between department staff in which one staff member said, “Clearly this man is complex and likely fascinating to talk with, but potentially evangelical.” Another staff member allegedly advised that hiring Dr. Gaskell would be a “huge public relations mistake.” The case is now set to go to trial in February.

Change.org recently covered news of science teachers and students in Louisiana taking a stand to ensure that students learn about the theory of evolution in school. They wrote letters, shared their expertise and lobbied their lawmakers to adopt new, scientifically-sound textbooks. What didn't enter into their public advocacy were their own religious beliefs. Many scientists, and students of science, occupy that gray in-between area where faith and their studies co-exist.  Both the Louisiana science teachers and Dr. Gaskell are pushing forward a larger cause: the idea that students should have the best science professors, and the best science learning materials, possible.

Dr. Gaskell was a good candidate for the observatory position not just because he was uniquely qualified, but because he represents that healthy gray area in the evolution-creation debate. It is certainly not promoting progressive thinking to deny someone employment because their personal faith doesn’t fit nicely with the goals of their profession.

Employment discrimination based on religion is a clear violation of federal law. If the University of Kentucky is able to get away with hiring practices that discriminate based on religion, then what is to stop other universities? Why not discriminate against Muslims or Jews next?

The lawsuit is already progressing, but the University of Kentucky can clarify their position on science and religion. Making a public statement illuminating the gray area could go a long way toward de-polarizing this debate. Sign this petition to tell the University of Kentucky that science does not benefit from religious discrimination.

Photo Credit: Diane Turner via Flickr