Professor on leave

Larycia Hawkins, a political science professor, was put on paid leave by Wheaton (Ill.) College in December for her public remarks about the relationship of Christianity to Islam. As part of her Advent observance, Hawkins wore a hijab (head scarf) to show solidarity with Muslims. “I stand in religious solidarity with Muslims because they, like me, a Christian, are people of the book,” she posted Dec. 10 on Facebook. “And as Pope Francis stated last week, we worship the same God.” The college said Hawkins will remain on leave until a review process that includes assessment of “her views related to Wheaton’s Statement of Faith” has been completed.