DENVER -- State lawmakers on Wednesday denounced comments by a University of Colorado professor who compared victims of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks to Nazis, saying his remarks were "evil and inflammatory."

The House unanimously approved a resolution saying remarks by professor Ward Churchill in a three-year-old essay had struck "an evil and inflammatory blow against America's healing process."

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, also proclaimed support for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"I want to make sure this body stands firm in support of the victims of 9-11," Harvey said.

Gov. Bill Owens called on the university to fire Churchill, saying he believes the school has legal grounds to dismiss him even though he has tenure. A university spokeswoman did not immediately return a telephone message.

Churchill's essay and follow-up book, "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens: Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality," attracted little attention until his planned appearance Thursday at Hamilton College in New York state triggered protests.

The college canceled the appearance this week, citing death threats against Churchill and school officials. Churchill resigned Monday as chairman of CU's Ethnic Studies Department but retained his job as a professor.

He did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment Wednesday.

In a statement released Tuesday, Churchill said was not defending the Sept. 11 attacks, "but simply pointing out that if U.S. foreign policy results in massive death and destruction abroad, we cannot feign innocence when some of that destruction is returned."

Some lawmakers on Wednesday called for the Legislature to cut funding for the Ethnic Studies Department, saying Churchill has a right to free speech but taxpayers do not have to subsidize his views.

"Maybe if his funding goes away, he will as well," said Rep. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs.

The university's Board of Regents plans to meet Thursday to discuss Churchill's status.

The Colorado chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is not involved in the case because no official action has been taken against Churchill, legal director Mark Silverstein said.

"Certainly the First Amendment protects his ability to write freely and speak freely, especially when the writing in question occurred outside his classroom duty," Silverstein said.

Additional Information:

To read Churchill's complete essay, "Some People Push Back," click here
To read what Churchill has to say in his defense, click here.
To read Gov. Owens' letter, click here.