A UW-Madison professor who raised the ire of state legislators by suggesting the U.S. government orchestrated the September 11 attacks has been cleared to teach a class on Islam by UW provost Patrick Ferrell.
During a June 29 radio interview in Milwaukee, Kevin Barrett aired his views and drew immediate calls for his dismissal from state Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater. The criticism spanned both sides of the aisle. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle also expressed doubts about Barrett's ability to teach the class after Barrett send Doyle a sarcastic letter.
Outrage emanating from the Capitol prompted action in Bascom Hall. Ferrell undertook a review of Barrett's syllabus and decided to allow him to teach 'Islam: Religion and Culture' in the fall.
Nass criticized the decision and said it would make it easier for legislators to cut money from the UW System in the future.
