Prominent Astronomer Denied Tenure, Anti-Intelligent Design Bias Alleged

Iowa State University astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers and been cited over 1,500 times. Gonzalez is currently studying late-stage star development; his research is widely held in scientific esteem. He's also a leading proponent of intelligent design -- and that, say ID proponents, is why he was recently denied tenure.

The university maintains the tenure denial was based on the professor's teaching, service, scholarly publications and ability to get research funding, and not his Intelligent Design advocacy. An appeal is under way. Last week, the Ames Tribune jumped into what's become a national debate, calling on ISU "to explain more fully the reasons for his denial.

Two faculty members have allegedly said that Gonzalez's ID views influenced their decision. If so, that's a shame.

Intelligent design is hardly the first dose of scientific snake oil to sucker gullible researchers. (Francis Crick, meet Directed Panspermia!)
If every scientist with a crackpot idea on the side were drummed out of the academy, we'd be much the poorer for it.

The head of the astronomy department says Gonzalez doesn't teach intelligent design in the classroom. His research record suggests that his views -- or, to put it more bluntly, his irrational superstitions
-- haven't affected his science. After all, he's not teaching cell biology.

So long as mechanisms exist to make sure their teaching and research are sound, people like
Gonzalez should be judged as scientists, not theologians.

Basu: Bias over views or credentials? [Des Moines Register]