Mark Regnerus, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, found fame earlier this summer by publishing a study on what he called "new family structures."
In that study, Regnerus claimed children raised by same-sex couples were more depressed, more likely to cheat on a partner and smoked more pot than kids raised in a so-called "traditional household".
According to most people with level heads and an understanding of scientific process, Regnerus' work amouned to little more than junk science, and garnered Regnerus scores of criticism and the launch of an official investigation by the university into his methodology. Now the university is calling the whole thing off, saying there is not enough evidence of bias or misdirection to require further inquiry.
From the school's official announcement:
After consulting with a four-member advisory panel composed of senior university faculty members, the Office of the Vice President for Research concluded in a report on Aug. 24 that there is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation.
…
As part of the inquiry, the university hired Dr. Alan Price to ensure that the inquiry was conducted appropriately and fairly. Price, a private consultant, is former associate director of the Office of Research Integrity in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Price found that the inquiry was handled in a manner consistent with university policy and indicated the process was “also consistent with federal regulatory requirements of inquiries into research misconduct.”
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As with much university research, Regnerus’ New Family Structures Study touches on a controversial and highly personal issue that is currently being debated by society at large. The university expects the scholarly community will continue to evaluate and report on the findings of the Regnerus article and supports such discussion.
Sounds like they're basically supporting his entire thesis: gays make lousy parents.
