However, Zimmer and Provost Thomas Rosenbaum indicate they remain committed to the project. Rosenbaum says the university will put $500,000 toward launching the center next year. The hope is the center will eventually have a $200 million endowment.
History of religions professor Bruce Lincoln is calling the proposed research center a right-wing think tank. He says the university's reputation will take a serious rightward turn as a result.