The debate over evolution just blew out of Kansas and into Oz for one college professor. The Associated Press reports that KU professor Paul Mirecki was beaten up Monday morning. And this just after spending a week in the newspapers for caustic remarks he made belittling religion, Catholics, conservatives, and intelligent design.

According to the Associated Press:

"University of Kansas religious studies professor Paul Mirecki told the Lawrence Journal-World that two men who beat him were making references to the class that was to be offered for the first time this spring. Originally called "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies," the course was canceled last week at Mirecki's request. "I didn't know them," Mirecki said of his assailants, "but I'm sure they knew me."

One of Mirecki's critics, Kansas state Senator Kay O'Connor, was quick to denounce the attackers. "I have zero tolerance for thugs," she told the AP. "There is never an excuse to behave in such a manner."

Good for her. No one should ever come under physical attack for exercising their right of free speech, no matter how offensive their views. What's needed is for everyone ot have the freedom to express their views without fear of reprisal, and certainly without fear of violence. Let's hope these two thugs are found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.