The Ball State University professor at the center of an intelligent design controversy last year is one step closer to tenure.
Eric Hedin was promoted last week from assistant professor to associate professor by the Ball State board of trustees.
Last summer, a science course taught by Hedin came under fire after students complained about the inclusion of intelligent design in the syllabus. The "Boundaries of Science" class reportedly promoted the idea that nature displays evidence of intelligent design.
The course was cancelled, and Ball State President Jo Ann Gora wrote a letter to Ball State faculty and staff stating "this is an issue of academic integrity, not academic freedom."
In March, a group of state legislators sent a letter to Gora, questioning her decision to prohibit the teaching of intelligent design as a scientific theory in Ball State science courses.
University officials met with the legislators in April for a private meeting.
"It was a productive meeting, a great opportunity to discuss important issues," says Joan Todd, Executive Director of Public Relations at Ball State. "That's all we have at this time."