I have been on NOMAIL status for some time, so I apologize if this info has already been posted to TIPS. Thought it would be of general interest.
Esther
>Dear CSICOP List Reader,
>
>an action alert from one of our fellow readers
>
>see this website:
>http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/evolution_update0601.html
>
> As I'm sure your aware the Senate just passed an Education Bill into which
> language has been added that essentially calls upon teachers to tell
> students that evolutionary theory is not science and that the controversy
> over evolution is due to the lack of scientific credibility of evolution.
> The Senate bill states:
>
> "It is the sense of the Senate that-
> (1) good science education should prepare students to
> distinguish the data or testable theories of science from
> philosophical or religious claims that are made in the name
> of science; and
> (2) where biological evolution is taught, the curriculum
> should help students to understand why this subject
> generates so much continuing controversy, and should prepare
> the students to be informed participants in public
> discussions regarding the subject."
>
> In case people are mislead by the vague wording and think it sounds like
> it is promoting critical thought, this amendment was orchestrated by
> Senators who accept Intelligent Design theory and think it should be
> taught in public schools. The "philosophical claims made in the name of
> science" is a reference to evolution and the theory of common
> descent whom the amendments authors claim is "not science because science
> must be observed."
> Part 2 was clearly crafted to allow teachers to claim that
> the controversy arises b/c evolution is not observable science and that
> there is scientific evidence of intelligent design.
>
> A Senator from Kansas hailed this amendment as a vindication of the Kansas
> school board's 1999 decision to eliminate evolution.
>
> The language is only in the Senate version. It can be
> removed in committee, which is what the National Association of
> Biology Teachers is recommending. Call or write your Senator or
> Congressman and alert your colleagues.
>
> Thomas Griffin, M.A.
> Department Of Psychology
> University of Illinois at Chicago
>
Esther Yoder Strahan, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Heidelberg College
310 E. Market St.
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
U.S.A.
Tel. (419) 448-2238
Fax (419) 448-2236
