A UW-Madison lecturer who burst into the spotlight in 2006 because of his view that the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were orchestrated by the U.S. government continues to spread the message of a 9/11 "inside job " on three radio networks.

In July 2006, furor over Kevin Barrett 's views prompted 61 Wisconsin lawmakers to call for his removal from the UW-Madison faculty, where he was a part-time lecturer. UW-Madison officials stood their ground, and Barrett taught his course on the history and culture of Islam during the fall 2006 semester with only brief mentions of his controversial theories. He also taught a course in introductory Islam that same semester at Edgewood College. He did not return for the spring 2007 semester.

Barrett said he hopes to get back in the classroom soon: He 's applied for a lecturer position at UW-Madison next semester.

In the meantime, Barrett, 48, has continued to busy himself as coordinator for the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth and as a board member of the Madison Muslim Dawa Circle, a mosque on the city 's East Side.

Barrett, of Lone Rock, also hosts radio talk programs on three networks, none of them broadcasting in the Madison area: Republic Broadcasting Network, We The People Radio Network and Genesis Communications Network. On Genesis, Barrett appears with fellow 9/11 Scholars for Truth member Jim Fetzer, an emeritus professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, in a show called "Dynamic Duo. "

Barrett said he 's also writing a book, which he describes as "a polemic against conservatism. "

Throughout the brouhaha in 2006, Barrett maintained a cheerful demeanor, playfully challenging his main detractor, state Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, to debate. He said he 's grateful for the controversy.

"I think it helped raise awareness of this absolutely central issue, " Barrett said. "It helped some information seep through the media blackout. The effect overall has been very positive. "

-- Dee J. Hall

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