Weekly Fellows Update
by Deanna Cantrell
SPI Welcomes Dr. Christopher DiCarlo
SPI is proud to welcome a new fellow this week!┬á Dr. Christopher DiCarlo, a philosopher, educator and author, hails from Toronto, Ontario Canada.┬á Dr. DiCarlo is on faculty at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. ┬áHe is a fellow, adviser, and board member of the Society of Ontario Free Thinkers┬áand the┬áCentre for Inquiry Canada.┬á His latest book entitled: How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass: A Critical ThinkerÔÇÖs Guide to Asking the Right Questions has achieved best seller status. He has published scholarly papers on a variety of topics, a sampling of which may be found on his personal website.
He is a past Visiting Research Scholar at Harvard University in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences: Department of Anthropology and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.  He has received a number of awards for his work.  He has also developed the first Pilot Project in Canada to introduce Standardized Critical Thinking skills into the Ontario Public High School curriculum.  Dr. DiCarlo is currently working on a new book, the working title is, Flying Without a Pilot: A Determined Look at the Future of Ethics, Law, and the Value of Human Behavior.  A warm welcome to you!
#FreeMohamedCheikh
SPI Fellow Elham Manea paints a jarring portrait of the reality of blasphemy laws in her newest article seen on The Huffington Post.┬á Mohamed Cheikh is set to be executed for writing an article that was deemed ÔÇ£critical of MohammedÔÇØ.┬á What landed Cheikh in this grim situation?
SPI Fellow Mark Juergensmeyer Follows Principle
SPI Fellow Mark Juergensmeyer has found himself in the spotlight.  Why?  For taking a stand, and withdrawing from
a speaking engagement for reasons of conscience.┬á Should a private college be able to toss out students who lose their faith?┬á What about if they allow secular students?┬á Read his thoughts on the subject and view the statement on BYUÔÇÖs website.