By AP
Champaign, IL – The firing of a University of Illinois adjunct professor is causing some controversy.
Professor Ken Howell of Champaign taught courses on Catholicism. He was let go after a student accused the instructor of engaging in hate speech by saying he agrees with the church's teaching that homosexual sex is immoral.
Howell has taught at the university for nine years. He says his firing violates his academic freedom.
A U of I professor who is also president of the American Association of University Professors agrees. Cary Nelson says teachers are allowed to express their own beliefs.
University spokeswoman Robin Kaler declined comment because Howell's firing is a personnel issue.
The student had a friend register his complaint and has remained anonymous.
