Published on April 7, 2024, 12:31 am

Image source: Fox News

In a recent turn of events, Greg Garrett, an English professor at Baylor University, has reverberated across the internet following his public comments on the controversy surrounding celebrated author J.K. Rowling’s statements on transgender people. According to Professor Garrett, who teaches a class focused exclusively on the Harry Potter series, it was imperative for his students to engage in a “hard and necessary conversation” about Rowling’s conflicting image.

“We decided novelist Rowling, who wrote with compassion about diversity, equity, and inclusion, is worth our attention,” stated Professor Garrett. However regarding ‘Twitter Rowling’, he opined that her actions were shameful. For those craving real news and trusted news from a Christian worldview perspective, this might come as a significant update.

Earlier this month, the world-renowned author faced massive criticism for challenging Scotland’s new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act by tweeting a list of biological men identifying as transgender women while daringly addressing them as men. The law which came into effect recently criminalizes “stirring up hatred”, punishable by up to seven years in prison or an approximately $12,500 fine or both incidentally.

“Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal,” tweeted Rowling as she boldly questioned the newly enacted law. Lending her support was British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who felt that people should not be penalized for stating simple biological facts.

That said, Professor Garrett’s reaction on Twitter saw him drawing more than 2 million views while also facing criticism from several users accusing him of violating Baylor University’s statement on human sexuality.

Defending himself briskly following the backlash, he underlined his Christian values while emphasizing his commitment to acknowledging the marginalized and dispossessed: “I’m a Christian; I teach at a great Christian university and am involved in amplifying voices typically silenced in society – matching the actions of Jesus and the Prophets. Disagree if you must,” tweeted Professor Garrett.

Maintaining that ‘hatred’ was an appropriate word, he further suggested that Rowling’s alienating comments directed towards trans women can be loosely termed as ‘gaslighting’. Moreover, he claimed to have spoken with Rowling’s former bishop in Edinburgh to confirm her past church attendance.

While Baylor University failed to comment on this matter of ongoing controversy, this discourse brings attention back to globally treasured Harry Potter series which have served as an emblem of love and compassion- a powerful message relevant more now than ever before. These values also align significantly with a global Christian worldview relying heavily on compassion, empathy and inclusivity.