Wheaton College professor to leave post after controversial Facebook post

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) -- A Wheaton College professor who came under fire for a Facebook post that said Christians and Muslims worship the same God will leave her post, according to a statement released Saturday evening by the suburban college and the professor.

Larycia Hawkins, a political science professor, and the college reached a "confidential agreement under which they will part ways," the statement said.

"Wheaton College sincerely appreciates Dr. Hawkins' contributions to this institution over the last nine years," says Wheaton College President Dr. Philip Graham Ryken. "We are grateful for her passionate teaching, scholarship, community service and mentorship of our students."

Hawkins, who was placed on administrative leave as the school started the termination process, said in the statement: "I appreciate and have great respect for the Christian liberal arts and the ways that Wheaton College exudes that in its mission, programs, and in the caliber of its employees and students."

A joint press conference will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church, 77 W. Washington St., in Chicago.

Neither Wheaton College nor Dr. Hawkins will speak to the press before the press conference, the statement said.