And the Scientists Speak

Dr. Alan Leschner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science has issued a statement regarding the decision of the Kansas school board regarding their science curriculum. I’ve had the chance to meet Dr. Leschner through the AAAS Fellowship I received, and this is a topic of utmost importance to him, definitely not one to be taken lightly by anyone.

There is no debate or controversy within the scientific community about the theory of evolution, and whether it should be taught in science classes. The media has been fueling the fire of the Creationism v. Evolution war where there should be no fire. Similarly to what is happening in other political arenas in our country, a few fringe goups are using the machinery of our society very efficiently to insert doubt about science into the educational forum. These people have an agenda that they will pursue until the end, whereas we as scientists haven’t taken the threat to our children and the future of science seriously. We have been sitting on our lofty laurels secure in our knowledge that science in all its objectivity is the obvious truth. And, just like the Democratic party we are being run over as a result of our arrogance.

Well, sorry folks, we have a fight on our hands. We need to get out and inform the public. They need to know that within the scientific community, there is no controversy between evolution and creation. Science in the science classes and creation in the religion or philosphy classes.

And, we push ever onward into the dark night…

Statement from Dr. Alan I. Leshner, CEO of AAAS, on the Kansas State Board of Education vote

A statement from Dr. Alan I. Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of the journal Science, regarding the 8 November 2005 vote by the Kansas State Board of Education:
“Along with thousands of Kansas scientists, educators and other residents, we are deeply disturbed by the vote taken today by the Kansas State Board of Education. No matter how the board’s majority tries to cast its action, the meaning is clear: This is a vote to mix science and faith in public school science classrooms, at great risk to the economy, to the educational institutions and, most importantly, to the children of Kansas.

“We do not believe that science and religion are inherently at odds. On the contrary, we believe they can co-exist harmoniously. Thousands of religious leaders nationwide share our view. We would not be troubled to see the issues about human origins discussed in social studies classes, however, we firmly believe that only science should be taught in science classrooms. By definition, scientific explanations are limited to rigorous, testable explanations of the natural world and cannot go beyond.

“Our students, like all of our citizens, need a clear understanding of what science is-and what it isn’t-if they’re going to thrive in the 21st century. The Kansas science standards say that science education must “prepare the citizens of Kansas to meet the challenge of the 21st century.” But by endorsing science standards that contain misleading information and literally change the definition of science in order to cast doubt on biological evolution, the Board of Education has taken a vote to confuse students, and to undermine science education.”

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