While some Catholic League members have perceived Webster Cook's actions as insensitive, no one should condone the acts of physical violence with which he has been threatened. Please sign the petition to encourage the Catholic League to publicly denounce all such threats issued against Webster Cook.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

To the Catholic League and affiliates,

In the United States there is a rich tradition of freedom of speech and freedom of thought, without fear of violent retribution. A good corporate citizen or non-profit organization could reasonably be expected to speak out against its own constituents when they threaten violence. You have a rare opportunity to demonstrate that you are a good corporate citizen.

In response to the recent controversy surrounding University of Central Florida student Webster Cook, many individuals have threatened Cook and his family with violence and death. These outrageous threats of terrorist behavior have been extended to zoologist and professor P.Z. Myers. We urge you to uphold your responsibility as a corporate citizen to condemn these malicious threats of violence and death.

We believe in mutual tolerance of beliefs as we all seek the truth. Violence is never appropriate over what is essentially an academic-theological question; such questions must be subject to calm, reasoned discourse.

Regrettably, many individuals have chosen to threaten to take a vigilante approach to this controversy in an entirely inappropriate and criminal manner, subjecting Webster Cook, P.Z. Myers, and their families to threats of violence. These actions are a blatant affront to our common human dignity. Threats of death and violence, beyond being inarguably dangerous, are an affront to the reputation of your faith tradition and your own organization. Whether or not the perpetrators of this shameful behavior are connected to your organization, it remains in your hands to maintain the civility and seriousness of the discourse.

The Center for Inquiry, with which we are affiliated, values the highest ideals of the university in promoting critical thinking and freedom of inquiry. Below are the signatures of many prominent Center for Inquiry campus affiliate group leaders and other supporters. We strongly encourage you to do the right thing and condemn the threats of violence.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
July 31, 2008