Prof. Regnerus, a sociologist at UT Austin, testified at the Michigan marriage equality trial in Detroit yesterday and this morning. And, at the same time, officials at the University of Texas at Austin and the Sociology Dept. at UT Austin have issued statements distancing themselves from Prof Regnerus and his research -- the New Family Structures Study. The Austin Chronicle has the story here:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/...
This is the statement issued by the chairman of UT Austin's Sociology Department:
Like all faculty, Dr. Regnerus has the right to pursue his areas of research and express his point of view. However, Dr. Regnerus’ opinions are his own. They do not reflect the views of the Sociology Department of The University of Texas at Austin. Nor do they reflect the views of the American Sociological Association, which takes the position that the conclusions he draws from his study of gay parenting are fundamentally flawed on conceptual and methodological grounds and that findings from Dr. Regnerus’ work have been cited inappropriately in efforts to diminish the civil rights and legitimacy of LBGTQ partners and their families. We encourage society as a whole to evaluate his claims.
The Sociology Department at The University of Texas at Austin aspires to achieve academic excellence in research, teaching, and public service at the highest level in our discipline. We strive to do so in a context that is based on the highest ethical standards of our discipline and in a context that actively promotes and supports diversity among our faculty and student populations.
More information on this can be found here:
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/...
Prof. Regnerus urged caution before changing Michigan's marriage laws.